While most toddlers can't do chores on their own, they can help out. Some parents make a game out of tidying up by racing to throw all the toys into the toy box, or by letting their little ones sweep the floor with a mini broom, or even fold laundry alongside Mom or Dad.
Not only does this create a good foundation, but it also teaches your toddler many life skills. So just what does a toddler learn from handing you the dustpan or popping socks in the drawer?
• social roles and skills (taking turns and helping others)
• cognition, language and pre-literacy (as you talk together about what you are doing, provide step-by-step instructions and, perhaps, incorporate rhymes or songs)
• independence and sense of self (especially when he or she gets verbal praise and appreciation from parents)
• bonding and sharing with parents
7 comments:
My toddler doesn't help but I think I might try to start getting him in on the 'fun' Hehe.
my daughter tries to help me sweep the floor which sometimes is more work for me when she flings my dirt pile accross the kitchen. she has a mini broom like the kid in the pic there. it is pretty cute, we have pics of both of us sweeping the floor. :)
Oh yeah he helps out tons and he loves it! He can put the shoes on the rack, help fold face cloths, put clothes in the drawers, make the beds (he loves to put the pillows on the bed), sweep, rake and put leaves in the bags, cook (he's great at pouring and mixing) and putting toys away. Seems like a lot, but he loves to help no matter what we're doing...there's almost always some aspect of it he can do. Things usually take about 10 times as long but it's much more enjoyable, that's for sure! He also likes to help out with his sister when I change her diaper, get her dressed or give her a bath (best toe washer in town!). You'd be surprised at what they can do! Oh and we also have a little "rule" in our house of putting a toy away before taking another one out and most of the "sets" of toys are in their own buckets so he can fill up one bucket before emptying another.
How old is he?
2 and a half.
My 2 1/2 year old daughter loves to help. We both pick up her toys, if im dusting she has to dust to, she puts her dishes in the sink when she is done, she picks up her dirty clothes and puts them in the hamper, trys to make her bed... I think it is very important to let them help and yes it does take longer to get things done but we have all day and if something doesent get cleaned who cares, its all about the kids at this age. I am also a stay at home mom, but im sure even the moms that work can take an extea 15min to let the child help it makes them feel so good about themselves to.
my daughter helps all over the place too with everything. she loves to clean up her toys and folds facecloths and carries them to put them away, sweeps, tries a few plastic dishes, cleans up messes, sweeps everything.
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