I thought I would make a list of ways 2-3 year olds can genuinely help around the house. I'll probably forget someday what my little ones could do at what ages, so this will be fun to look back on. Some of the jobs might need parental involvement and some of them might lean more towards age 3 since that's where my son is leaning. They might not all make the house neater, cleaner or more efficient, but they are good ways to start getting little ones involved.- Putting shoes where they belong after taking them off
- Putting toys away
- Putting books on shelves
- Blowing out candles
- Watering plants (in the yard)
- Pairing up socks
- Carrying *small* piles of folded clothes to appropriate rooms
- Rinsing dishes (at least not the sharp/breakable ones)
- Sorting clean silverware back into the drawer
- Unloading the washing machine
- Emptying, cleaning and refilling the fridge
- Washing windows
- Vacuuming (depending on your vacuum cleaner)
- Taking his/her plate and other light dishes to the counter after meals
- Stirring any baking ingredients
- Rolling and cutting biscuits, cookies, etc...
- Wiping up spills
- Putting trash in the trash can
- Pushing furniture around for sweeping/mopping
- Dusting
- Putting mom-designated items into the shopping cart
- Setting the table (sorta)
- Planting seeds
- Bringing groceries in and taking them out of bags
Don't misunderstand. My little 2-3/4 year old does not always WANT to do these things. Sometimes it takes coaxing and other times it is done with pleasure. Either way, it is important for them to learn that things don't just magically get done by themselves. We work together to keep our house functioning smoothly.
What other ways can little ones help?
6:47 AM |
Category:
Children
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1 comments
Comments (1)
This is great! Thanks for sharing. I have been wanting to get creative with ways Judah can help around the house.