Benefits of toddlers having chores

“Should toddlers really have chores? Are there any benefits to a toddler doing chores?,” These are some of the questions parents ask when discussing responsibilities of their child. When you think about a toddler, you think about this little person that has to get everything done for them. They can’t go to the bathroom by themselves, they need some one to wipe their nose and they can barely talk (depending on their age). They are just learning to feed themselves and they are just at the cusp of trying to be independent. Sometimes we simply think that we should just let kids be kids! So…

“Why should a toddler have chores?”  Well, for one it will teach them responsibility, team work, self esteem and can open doors to language and conversations you couldn’t even imagine. These little people, they really have brains like sponges and pick up new habits and language so quickly. My own kids have these habits too. My twins who are now 2 1/2, will clean up their crayons, markers and blocks! Of course I still have to sing the clean up song, but hey whatever works!

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How can chores teach responsibility? 

Yes, that’s right, responsibility has to be learned, and it’s never too early to start! A one year old can learn to be responsible. So teaching your toddler to do basic chores is teaching them responsibility. They are being responsible of the toys they are cleaning up. They are cleaning up the water they spill on the floor or helping mommy vacuum. If these actions are enforced over and over again, they will be responsible for cleaning up on their own. Anything can be learned with consistency, and patience of course. 

My twins are 2 years old and they literally make my house look like a hurricane each moment of the day. They also clean it up after they created it. It wasn’t always like this, and it took time and  lots of patience. I wanted them to be responsible for their own messes. I used to spend so much time picking up after them, I  thought I  needed to keep everything neat and tidy for my sanity. I was picking things up all day long!  And really it was making me insane– not keeping me sane.   So, from then on I decided I wasn’t going to waste my time cleaning their mess. They were going to learn to clean their own.

However, I am not claiming at all that teaching a toddler to do chores is easy. BUT there are many ways to make it engaging, interactive and fun ( the teacher in me)! Toddlers love song and rhyme. I can get my twins to do just about anything with singing (even if the song is on the spot made up). You can sing the clean up song and work together. Toddlers love to copy mommy and daddy – even big brother and sister if you have. So everyone can sing the song while cleaning up. If you don not know the clean up song ( there are many different ones), you can easily find one on you- tube. Click here to find some on youtube. 

You can read more about the importance of routines here.

How building a routine can help with chores

Cleaning up after their mess is just one of many chores your toddler can start to learn as early as one. But there are many more they can do. Since having a routine is part of teaching responsibility you want to make sure the chore is relatable to them, and what their needs are. For example, having a toddler put their clothes away probably isn’t relative. In fact, it will probably cause a complete disaster. ( I  know if my twins saw a laundry basket with clothes they would dump the clothes and play with the basket!) However, if you ask them to help you put the laundry in the washer and dryer, it is something fun, and easy for them to help with. (They love pushing the buttons too!)

When teaching your toddler to do a chore, build it into your routine. When vacuuming, let them help you. Even better buy them their own toy vacuum and let them vacuum along. You will soon see them vacuuming on their own, it may just be play but they are cleaning on their own! Naturally, your kids will want to do what mommy (or daddy) are doing. So create routines and consistency, and always ask them to help you.

Making it fun is key to them thinking of chores as play. Again, singing songs are always a great way to make chores a game. Playing a game like who can pick it up the fastest is also a big hit – just make sure they are the winners!

Chores that are easy to incorporate into routines and use everyday:

• cleaning your mess after its made
• putting laundry in the hamper
• Putting garbage in the garbage pail ( and not hand it to you)!
• Washing your hands (before meals and when they are dirty)
• raking leaves
• gardening
• putting laundry in the dryer and pressing the button

As an extra help, buy your little ones some play items such as a vacuum, duster and broom or a washer and dryer to play with. This way they can help you along and learn as they see you do the chore. Children love to do what they see mommy and daddy do. So take this as an advantage to teach them about cleaning and chores.

Conclusion

Chores help your little ones work together as a team and share responsibility. Toddlers benefit from having chores and yes they should have chores. It may seem hard to teach your toddler how to do chores on their own, but with consistency and patience it can be done!

Here are some educational ways to keep your toddlers busy:

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I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.