Toddlers love responsibility. They love doing things by themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment once the task is completed. Giving toddlers chores helps them boost their confidence and fosters independence. Of course as parents, many times we just want to get things done quickly; but having our children take part in household responsibilities is an important part of their development.
Now that my son is two, I have been thinking through and researching a list of responsibilities I can give him around the house. Many of these he is already doing, I just need to be more consistent with it. Here is a list of chores that a 2 (or 3!) year old can do:
Put away toys in designated bins or baskets: My kids love to make a mess in their playroom but they never want to clean it up! Surprisingly, my 2 year old enjoys cleaning the playroom more than my 4 year old does. But the secret is to be a specific as possible. If I say “go clean the playroom” the task feels too overwhelming and they don’t know where to start. It’s important to make sure what you want them to do is very specific like, “Put the blocks in the bin” or “Put the stuffed animals in the basket”.
Wiping up spills with a towel or sponge: If you have toddlers, spills are bound to happen. It’s a natural part of their development. Engaging them in wiping up spills with a towel or sponge serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it instills a sense of responsibility by reminding them that they’re accountable for the mess they create. Secondly, it initiates them into the concept of cleaning up after themselves, a vital life skill.
Helping with laundry: I’ve found that engaging my toddlers in the laundry routine is not just practical but also fun. My mornings often include a load of laundry, and since my toddlers are usually up around that time too, I’ve turned it into a bonding activity. Rather than letting them slow me down, I encourage their involvement. They take pleasure in helping to load the clothes into the washer and dryer, turning what could be a mundane task into a joyful shared experience.
Assisting in putting clothes in the hamper: Just like assisting with laundry, I involve my son in putting away dirty clothes. Our recent purchase of a 4-compartment laundry hamper has revolutionized our laundry room dynamics. Initially, I was unsure about its low height, but now I appreciate its accessibility for my children. They find it easy to use, and it has made the process of organizing dirty clothes much simpler for the whole family.
Putting shoes in their designated area: Kid love to take off their shoes and leave them anywhere around the house. By encouraging my little ones to put their shoes away, I’m teaching them responsibility and the value of keeping things tidy.
Bring groceries in from the car: While they may not be able to carry heavy bags, they can certainly assist with lightweight items or smaller bags. Sometimes I will take something out of a bag just so my toddlers feel accomplished bringing it inside.
Helping to wipe down the table after meals: I’ve found that involving toddlers in wiping down tables after meals is not just about getting the job done; it’s about teaching them responsibility and the importance of keeping our home clean. Normally, I have to go back and clean afterwards but that’s okay! They are eager to help and it I hope it instills in them the value of pitching in and taking care of our home.
Putting dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher: I don’t know why, but all my kids are fascinated with the dishwasher. They love to help load it, put the soap in, and start it. They are also good with emptying food into the trash and putting dirty dishes in the sink.
I’m sure I might have missed a few tasks, and there could be some that are just perfect for your home. But this list is a great place to start if you’re thinking about getting your little one involved in helping around the house.
