| Toddlers can't be expected to be responsible for | | | | toddler is enthusiastic about helping with the |
| regular chores, but it's never too soon to give | | | | chores, don't push for him to more than he is able |
| your child a little responsibility. As most young | | | | or willing to do. This might cause him to become |
| children enjoy copying their parents, now might be | | | | resentful of helping out later, when his more |
| the perfect time to begin to teach your child that | | | | expert help will be much more useful to you. |
| chores are there for every one to help with. | | | | Try not to grumble about having to do chores |
| Assign him safe and simple chores, such as picking | | | | yourself. If you moan and complain everytime |
| up toys, carrying non-breakables between | | | | you have to empty the trash can or push a |
| different rooms, helping to sort coloured and | | | | vacuum cleaner around the house, you're sending |
| white laundry, dry unbreakable dishes, pots and | | | | a very clear message to your toddler that chores |
| pans, tear lettuce for salad, unpack and put away | | | | are unpleasant and boring, and to be avoided if at |
| unbreakable groceries etc. Also get him into the | | | | all possible. Instead try to make them more fun |
| habit of automatically putting his rubbish into the | | | | by playing your favourite music or singing as you |
| wastepaper basket, trash or recycling bin. | | | | work. |
| To keep his interest though, you'll need to make | | | | You'll probably end up being surprised at how |
| sure that chores are fun. Supply placemats with | | | | many household chores your average toddler is |
| child appeal when he's laying the table for lunch (or | | | | capable of undertaking, but do remember that |
| why not make your own by laminating pictures | | | | many, if not all chores will require adult supervision |
| taken from some of the books in Scruffy's | | | | and possibly assistance. But try not to intervene |
| Bookshop), dance around the room while dusting | | | | too much, a chore that's done "all by myself" is |
| or why not play a rhythm on the dried pots and | | | | always more satisfying for a toddler - and that |
| pans with a wooden spoon? | | | | satisfaction will begin to lay the foundations for |
| Make sure chores are a family affair. The family | | | | your child to grow up helpful and responsible |
| that cleans, cooks or gardens together will get | | | | around the home. |
| more done, and have a lot more fun doing it. As | | | | For more on raising responsible, respectful kids, |
| long as chores are handed out fairly (and children | | | | take a look at a unique toolkit from Scruffy's |
| are eagle-eyed when it comes to equitable division | | | | Bookshop called "Kids of Character"for books, |
| of work) then this kind of family togetherness will | | | | games and other activities all hosted on line - |
| encourage your children to continue to do their | | | | character education your kids will enjoy while |
| share as they grow up. | | | | taking on board the more serious messages the |
| Keep your demands reasonable, and even if your | | | | activities hold. |