Young children are capable of so much more than what we give them credit for. Oftentimes, we feel it’s easier to just do things ourselves so that things can get done quickly; however, it’s imperative that we allow our children to help when they can. Besides, toddlers are eager to help and eager to learn.
Here are six things young children can do to help out around the house:
Prep Dinner
- Gather ingredients.
- Measure, pour, stir, etc.
- Rinse and clean veggies. Eventually they can cut them, once they learn how to use a knife properly.
- Clean up and throw away scraps.
Restock/Reorganize
- Restock toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
- Reorganize the bookshelf and entertainment center when things get out of place over time.
- A grown-up can collect all of the trash from any small trash bins around the house and the young child can be in charge of putting new bags in the trash.
Wipe Things Down
- Dining room table.
- Counter tops.
- Door nobs.
- Light switches, etc.
Put Away Dishes
- Buy a stool so that children can reach the sink and other high places.
- They can rinse dishes.
- Help put dishes into the dish washer.
- Help to dry dishes and/or put them away.
Sort/Fold Their Laundry
- Prior to folding laundry, have them sort all of the items.
- Let them pair socks.
- Teach them the beginning stages of folding.
- Teach them where each set of sorted/folded items go.
- Put away dirty laundry.
Pick Up After Themselves
- Put away toys, books and other items after they’ve used them.
- Wipe up crumbs, spilled drinks and other minor messes.
So, that’ it. The above is a great starting point for introducing young children to responsibility, chores and teaching life skills. To build life skills it is important that children are continually exposed to ways that they can help around the house. Not only do they learn lessons that will serve them well as adults, but they’ll also help you out in the process as it gives you a break from menial tasks.
Be Intentional,
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