When you offer your child the opportunity to engage in real work, it fulfils their desire to be productive and involved. It also shows children that you believe in their potential and that they play a very important role in family life.
Here are some toddler appropriate household tasks and ways to make them a fun learning opportunity.
Pick up and put away toys.
To make this achievable for a toddler break bigger tasks into smaller ones. Instead of asking them to clean the whole room, ask them to stack the books on the book shelf, once that has been done, ask them to put all the toy cars in the box, once that is done move on to the next mini task.
What they learn:
- Responsibility for their belongings
- Teamwork
- They are capable of helping in a meaningful way
- Respect for their environment and the people who share it
- To follow simple instructions
Put laundry in the basket.
Make this task into a game. Set a timer and see how many items they can get into the basket in that time. Alternatively, you could ask them to collect clothing according to colour or type.
What they learn:
- Responsibility for their belongings
- Teamwork
- They are capable of helping in a meaningful way
- Recognising and appreciating their own ability to learn
- Respect for their environment and the people who share it
- To follow simple instructions
Help you clean counter tops.
Before and after every meal have your toddler spray and wipe counters and tables. To make this easier for you and your toddler make a toddler friendly cleaning spray.
Toddler Friendly Cleaning Spray Recipe
1 Cup of water
1 Cup of white vinegar
1 Tbsp of liquid soap
Mix together and put in a spray bottle with an easier to use trigger. Make sure the bottle is clean of any previous cleaner before use.
This mixture will also work well on windows and mirrors.
What they learn
- They are capable of helping in a meaningful way
- Recognising and appreciating their own ability to learn
- Respect for their environment and the people who share it
- To follow simple instructions
- Caring for the needs of others
Fill a pet’s food and water bowls
Set an alarm for your pets mealtimes. Have your toddler measure out biscuits and water. It may help to put water in an easy to pour bottle if your toddler doesn’t have easy access to your taps.
What they learn
- They are capable of helping in a meaningful way
- Recognising and appreciating their own ability to learn
- Respect for their environment and the people who share it
- To follow simple instructions
- Caring for the needs of others
Help to make lunch.
Meals such as sandwiches and pizzas are great for getting toddlers involved. Once ingredients are prepared have your toddler assemble the meal. They also might enjoy making food for their family members too.
What they learn
- Teamwork
- They are capable of helping in a meaningful way
- Recognising and appreciating their own ability to learn
- Respect for their environment and the people who share it
- To follow simple instructions
- Caring for the needs of others
Remember
· It is important to be patient, don’t expect perfection.
· Be generous with your praise!
· Be clear and concise when giving directions
· Break big tasks into several smaller tasks
· Keep it fun. Use music, singing, silly dances to keep your little one interested. Set a timer and race against the clock.
