The toddler years are full of chasing your child back and forth as they explore their world on their newfound walking (or running) feet. This is a high-energy time of silly faces, newfound independence, and messes. At the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is clean up after your little tornado. There is hope! Your kids can complete some chores for toddlers throughout the day, and it may assist in wearing them out!
Simple Chores for Toddlers
- Pick up Books – Your toddler should be able to place books back on a bookshelf that is at their level. Your child can pick up and organize their favorite books in a way that they think looks fun for them.
- Pick up Toys – By age 2 your child is fully capable of placing their toys back in a place designated for toddler toys. With the exception of heavier toys, your toddler can have the chore of picking up toys after they play with them every day.
- Dirty Clothes Cleanup – Picking up lightweight clothing and placing it in the family dirty clothes basket is a fun task for your toddler. You can even make a game out of it by having your toddler count just how many items they pick up to place in the hamper. Duke loves to throw clothes into the hamper. Whatever works!
- Help with Pets – At age 2, your child should be able to pick up a small scooper and place food into your pets food bowl. In addition to feeding the pets, your toddler can use a small cup to fill your pet’s water bowl too. This is a great chore for toddlers for them to learn life skills!
- Dusting – Create sock dusters! Make little sock puppets by drawing faces on old socks and have your toddler happily wipe down all furniture to dust.
- Sweeping – Duke LOVES to use the Swiffer to sweep the floors. He’s been sweeping floors since he was about 18 months old! The Swiffer doesn’t pick up everything, but it does a great job picking up hair and dust. Also, they are adjustable. I can make it shorter so that it’s just his size. This is one of my favorite chores for toddlers.
- Throw Away Trash – Kids are messy. You simply can’t avoid this fact. Have your toddlers go on a “secret mission” looking around the house for trash to throw away.
- Fold Simple Items – Washcloths, hand towels, and pillowcases are simple items your toddler can fold with you while you fold the larger laundry items.
Having your toddler complete chores on a regular basis teaches them accountability, responsibility, and pride. When you create an environment where your toddler learns to pick up after themselves, you start to raise a child who thinks of others.
