I remember wanting my children to talk. How many times did I say "mama" while holding them only to be met with coo's and baby babble. Now, I hear "mommy" at least 4,726 times a day. Normally a request follows and at a time when I am putting away groceries while feeding my infant, balancing on a beach ball. This is balanced with the more frequent phrase, "I do it". It is sometimes hard to believe that we do our kids laundry, cook them meals, and clean up their rooms and then expect them to be independent at 18. I'm not suggesting that we tell our 3 year olds to cook their own dinner or buy their own groceries, but there are things that they can do. If we take the time to teach them small tasks now, we are better preparing them for the future.
The first step in teaching our kids new skills is to set the space. Here are some of the skills I have taught my boys and the tools that make it possible.
Toy Pick-Up: This is the first skill I taught both my boys. This is typically something an 18 month to 2 year old can do. There are lots of ways to make it more fun. We sing the "Clean Up" song. Pretend the toys are hidden treasures we have to find and put in our pirate ship. Put on a cap and be super-hero's on a mission to save all their toys. I use the cube storage in the playroom because it is easy for the boys to reach and keeps the toys organized by type. Here is one I love with colorful canvas cubes found here. If a lot of toys are kept in the living room or other public space, I love this storage bench. It is easy for kids to reach and perfectly hides all the toys when not being used.
Silverware Sorter: Dishes are never ending. Sorting silverware and putting it away is a great activity to for toddlers. It also helps them feel like a part of the team.
Setting the Table: Toddlers can help by placing napkins, utensils, or non-breakable dishes on the table before meals.
Dusting: Give them a soft cloth or duster and let them "help" by dusting low, easily reachable surfaces.
Matching Socks: Ask them to help match socks when doing laundry. It's a simple task that can be fun for them.
Putting Dirty Clothes in the Hamper: Encourage them to put their dirty clothes in the laundry hamper after changing.
Simple Food Prep: Let them assist with safe, age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, like tearing lettuce for a salad or spreading peanut butter on bread. Here is a great step stool that is safe and great for little helpers. It has a safety bar in the back to prevent them from falling off and it is very sturdy to keep them from tipping over.
Folding Towels: Teach them to fold small towels or washcloths. It may not be perfect, but it's a great way to introduce them to folding.
Feeding Pets: If you have a pet, toddlers can help feed them with supervision. Pouring dry pet food into a bowl is a simple task.
Wiping Surfaces: Give them a damp cloth and let them "clean" surfaces like tables or low shelves.
Putting Shoes Away: Encourage them to put their shoes in a designated spot when they come inside.
Making Their Bed: While they won't do it perfectly, toddlers can start learning how to pull up the covers and fluff pillows.
Loading and Unloading the Dishwasher: With supervision, they can help put non-breakable items in and out of the dishwasher.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comments