Toddlers are funny little creatures; one minute they’ll do whatever it takes to be extremely unhelpful (i.e taking their shoes off every time you get them on) and the next minute they’ll be intent on being the most helpful people on the planet!
The question is, what can they do safely that keeps them busy yet out of harm’s way? Here are some easy to do chores for toddlers that will keep them - and you - happy.
Tidying Up
Most mums look forward to being able to put their feet up at the end of the day, however, it’s hard to relax when you have a room full of discarded toys. Toddlers have no issue taking out all their toys so why not insist that they put them all away too. Make it fun by singing a song or turning it into a game and by the time they’re done they’ll be tired enough for bed – win, win.
Laundry
Kids go through a LOT of clothes. Whether it’s because they’re a messy eater, or because they have a passion for playing in the sandpit, it always means there's time for laundry. I used to reserve doing laundry for when my toddler was napping, but now I get him involved too. Any time an outfit change is required, I get him to put his clothes in the washing basket and once everything is dry, he helps unload the tumble dryer. I’m soon going to start letting him help sort the clean clothes into piles for each person too. He might not be the neatest at folding things up, but dividing them up is half the battle!
Dusting
I don’t know whether the house is dustier now that we’re a family of four or whether I just pay more attention to it now I’m a parent; I seem to notice it everywhere! Thank goodness microfibre cloths make it so easy. My toddler can easily help wipe down surfaces using only water with no need for nasty chemicals, and he loves seeing the cloth get so dirty – yuck!
Watering Plants
Our plants may have already bitten the dust this year, but it wasn’t for lack of trying on my toddler’s part. Every time we were out playing in the garden, I’d help him fill his little watering can and we’d share the water out between all the pots. The only thing I had to be careful of was him catching me deadheading the flowers - let’s just say that when he tried to copy me, he got a bit too carried away…
Sweeping
Without a doubt, my toddler’s favourite chore is sweeping and once he gets started there’s no stopping him. When he has help from his older brother, they’re quite a good team. But if he’s flying solo, it’s more a case of keeping him occupied than hoping for any improvement. I need to get him a small toy version that would make it easier, but chances are he’ll still insist on using the real thing.
Getting The Post
Postman Pat was one of my favourite shows when I was a child, but my son’s currently obsessed with what’s happening on the Island of Sodor so he’s got no interest in what’s going on in Greendale. However, one thing he is obsessed with is fetching the post. Whether it’s cards, letters or boxes he loves disposing of the packaging and seeing what’s inside. He’s even started insisting that any clothes that arrive are immediately tried on by the recipient, so he also makes sure I’m up to date with all of my returns. Thanks, Boss Baby!
