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