You know, parents, so much of the undesirable behavior that the terrible twos toddlers display is a result of boredom and frustration born out of not feeling important or "big!" The terrible twos toddlers really do want to help out and join in what they see as fun when it comes to helping out around the house. Don't worry; this "helpful" stage will pass, and it won't be long before you practically talk yourself hoarse about getting your kids to do even the smallest tasks around the house! 😁
So instead of just keeping them out from under your feet, give your child some chores or simple jobs to do that will not only keep them busy and occupied but, believe it or not, there are actually some things your little toddler can do for you that actually will make a difference to your day!
Getting The Terrible Twos Toddler to Do Chores
When your baby is big enough to make a mess but still too small to clean it up, picking up after her can be quite a challenge. Sometimes it seems like she goes through an entire load of clothes in a day or two. And let's not forget all of those mealtime messes.
Once your little one is walking, it may seem that the messes increase exponentially. But soon, your toddler will be big enough to start helping you with the housework. Granted, tasks will take longer when she is learning to do them. But this stage in your child's development is prime time for teaching her responsibility. And chores are one of the best ways to accomplish that.
What Kinds of Chores Can My Toddler Do?
- Cleaning up toys: Teach toddlers to put away their toys after playing. This encourages them to take responsibility for their belongings and promotes tidiness.
- Dusting: Give toddlers a soft cloth or a duster and show them how to wipe surfaces like tables and shelves. Please keep it simple and fun to engage their interest.
- Putting clothes in the hamper: Encourage toddlers to toss their dirty clothes into a hamper or laundry basket. This introduces them to the concept of keeping things organized.
- Setting the table: Teach toddlers how to place napkins, utensils, or non-breakable items on the table. This can be a helpful introduction to mealtime routines.
- Watering plants: With supervision, toddlers can use a small watering can to help care for indoor or outdoor plants. This activity teaches them about nurturing living things.
- Matching socks: As a precursor to folding laundry, toddlers can learn to match socks. This helps develop fine motor skills and visual discrimination.
- Wiping surfaces: Provide toddlers with a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces like countertops or low tables. Please keep it simple and make it a game to maintain their interest.
- Feeding pets: If you have a family pet, involve toddlers in feeding them. Supervise the activity to ensure safety and teach gentle and responsible behavior.
- Putting away books: Teach toddlers to return books on shelves after reading. This fosters a love for books and introduces the concept of order.
- Sweeping with a small broom: Provide toddlers with a child-sized broom to mimic sweeping motions. While it may not be as effective as an adult's efforts, it can still be a fun and engaging activity.
When assigning chores to toddlers, it's essential to keep tasks simple, age-appropriate, and enjoyable. Also, offer praise and positive reinforcement to encourage their efforts and make chores a positive experience.
Getting The Terrible Twos Toddler Started
The first time you introduce a new chore, you will need to show your child how to do it. She will understand it much better if she sees you doing it. Explaining it in words probably won't do your child much good.
You may have to guide your toddler throughout the process the first time or two. Even after she has mastered the task, it's a good idea to stay with her while she is working. You can get some of your work done during this time too. The important thing is being there to talk to her. You could even sing songs or make a game out of the chore. These things will make chores more enjoyable, and she may even start looking forward to them.
The Best Ways to Reward Toddler Chores!
Don't forget to say thank you when your child successfully completes a chore. If she does a really good job, you could provide a reward such as extra playtime or a trip to the park. This will let her know that her help is appreciated and give her the incentive to continue helping.
Rewarding toddlers for helping out is a great way to reinforce positive behavior and encourage a sense of responsibility. Here are some practical and age-appropriate ways to reward toddlers:
- Verbal praise: Toddlers respond well to positive reinforcement through words. Offer enthusiastic praise and specific acknowledgment of their efforts. For example, say, "Great job putting away your toys! You're so helpful!"
- High-fives and hugs: Physical affection, such as high-fives or hugs, can be powerful rewards. This provides a tangible expression of your appreciation and reinforces the positive behavior.
- Stickers or stamps: Create a sticker chart or use stamps to track and reward a toddler's accomplishments visually. Allow them to place a sticker on a chart each time they complete a task. When the chart has been filled in, celebrate the achievement with a small reward.
- Special playtime: Offer the reward of special playtime or a favorite activity to acknowledge their helpful behavior. This could be spending extra time playing with a favorite toy or engaging in a preferred activity together.
- Small treats or snacks: Occasionally, offer a small treat or snack as a reward. This could be a healthy snack or a small piece of a favorite treat. Be mindful of keeping treats in moderation.
- Choose the next activity: Allow the toddler some control by letting them choose the next activity or game. This empowers them and provides a positive consequence for their helpful behavior.
- Create a reward box: Fill a small box with inexpensive, age-appropriate toys or trinkets. When the toddler completes a task, let them choose an item from the reward box.
- Praise in front of others: Publicly acknowledging a toddler's helpful behavior in front of family members or friends can boost their self-esteem. It reinforces the idea that others value their contributions.
- Story or special time with a caregiver: Incorporate a reward of reading a special story together or having one-on-one time with a caregiver. This quality time can be enriching for toddlers.
- Use a reward jar: Like a sticker chart, use a jar filled with colorful tokens. Each token represents a completed task; when the jar is full, exchange it for a small reward.
Tailoring the rewards to the toddler's preferences and maintaining a positive and encouraging tone is essential. Additionally, be consistent with the rewards to reinforce the connection between helpful behavior and positive outcomes.
Getting toddlers to do chores is usually not difficult if you start early. Most young children love to help Mom and Dad around the house. Remember to keep your expectations low and do everything possible to make chore time a positive experience. By doing so, you will gain a helper and plant the seeds of responsibility in your child as well as add another string to your bow when it comes to handling the terrible twos.
How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids
A Practical Guide to Calmer, Happier Parenting: Stop Losing It and Transform the Terrible Twos!
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