Jan 31 2009
Helping Mom: A List of Chores your Preschooler can Help With
Your little one wants your attention. You want to get your house in order. Let your child become involved, instead of being underfoot, by working together. Children learn from imitation so teach them the skills they need to help out. Don’t expect their job to be done perfectly. It’s not the time to let them help when you are rushing or expecting company over any second.
Here are some of our favorite household chores to do together.
Setting the Table While you work on preparing dinner, your child can work on putting the table together. Help them by announcing what needs to go on the table next, or set out a tray prepared with everything, so they simply need to put it in its place. Don’t forget about condiments and napkins.
Unloading the Dishwasher I always take the cutlery out myself first. Then my little guy hands me the rest–plates, cups and bowls–to be put away in the cabinets.
Washing the Dishes Warm water and bubbles, what’s not to like? Just make sure there aren’t any knives or breakable glass cups that can slip. Oh, and be prepared to fight over the tap to rinse your dishes.
Laundry Sitting on the dryer, my son can pour in the laundry soap, help drop in the clothes and play with the dryers timer. Beeeeeeep!
Dusting Magic wand or Feather duster? They can dust the baseboards and coffee tables in no time.
Windows Children love playing with spray bottles. Fill the bottle with water and vinegar not harmful chemicals. You can also get them to spray the mirrors or sinks. Getting them to stop spraying is the hardest part.
Cooking/Baking Whether it be stirring, adding ingredients, cutting out cookie shapes or simply lining muffin tins, food preparation is always a hit.
Retrieving the Recycle Bins The bins are big but light enough to drag. How fast can they race you to the door?
Caring for Pets Dishing out cat or dog food, brushing the pets fur and helping wash the dog are all great baby steps to learning the responsibilities of pet ownership.
