Getting stuff done around the house used to be easy. Cleaning was not a challenge. Then came two little people. Maintaining a clean house with a baby and a toddler is a bit of a challenge, mostly because these tiny little people have a funny habit of getting in the way when I am trying to clean.
One option, which I will confess to, is turning on a movie or TV show so that I can work, while they get their daily dose of screen time. Another option, however, is actually letting them help. Although having my toddler help with the chores makes them take longer, it is a great way to teach her about helping. And I am pretty sure she really enjoys it.
Sometimes I find it hard, though, to come up with stuff she can actually help with. So, thinking that many of you struggle with this problem also, I have composed a short list of chores that my toddler helps with. Here you go!
- Emptying the dishwasher. This is actually a chore that both my toddler and my baby (15 month old) help out with. They LOVE handing me the dishes. And, as long as I remove the knives before they start helping, everyone is safe!
- Putting away laundry. My toddler, Lilly, loves to take the piles of clothes to the corresponding rooms. She also loves to help move the washed clothes into the dryer or drying.
- Dusting. This is by far my toddler’s favorite chore. I am not sure she is super effective at getting all the dust cleaned, but she loves walking around wiping all the furniture.
- Cooking. This may not actually be a chore, but my daughter loves standing on a chair to help stir, pour, or mix whatever we are eating for our meals.
- Yardwork. Whether it’s raking in the fall or watering flowers in the summer, most toddlers love the opportunity to be outside. Having them help with outdoor chores while they are out there is an added bonus.
My husband and I are constantly trying to come up with ways for our daughters to help out around the house. Not only does this teach them responsibility, but it gives them a sense of purpose at home. It might take a little longer for things to get accomplished, but seeing our toddlers sense of achievement when she has finished a task is worth the extra time.
