Introducing household chores to your young ones at an early stage will benefit both of you. They can learn responsibility, life skills that will surely be useful for them in the future, at such a young age. It is also a great bonding with you and your kids.
I list some of the household chores that my 2-year-old toddler helps me out. Maybe you could do this also with your kids.
1. Cleaning toys
You can start introducing household chores to them with cleaning and organizing their toys. I will be honest with you. It's not all the time that my son helps me in cleaning his toys and things. There are times that he is very lazy doing it. So what I do is to make it more fun with him by making it into a game. I always challenge him that whoever put things first into the right place wins. With or without a prize, he is so excited about it every time I challenge him like that.
2. Putting newly folded clothes in the closet
Nathan, my son, really enjoys and loves helping me in many things, including as simple as putting clothes in the cabinet. He knows who owns each of the clothes and knows where to put them. I am also teaching him how to fold shirts. Of course, he's not getting it right, but it's worth my time to teach him these kinds of things. He also loves helping Daddy do the our laundry!
3. Washing the dishes
Washing the dishes is one of Nathan's most favorite household chores. As soon as he sees me starting to wash the dishes, he rushes towards me, carrying his small chair (for him to reach the sink), while saying "I'm gonna help mommy wash the dishes!". I let him wash his utensils, plates, and cup. But don't worry, I always clean the dishes again. So I will be honest once again, it's not fun for me, haha! Washing the dishes is my most hated housework, and Nathan makes me do it much longer. But letting him help me will show him that he will also have the responsibility of doing it in the future!
4. Cooking Preparations
Yes! Nathan also loves helping me to cook our food, but only for the cooking preparation; like applying breading to the chicken, washing the rice before cooking, and making his favorite, the "Mommy Special Toast"! He named that toast himself. It's just a simple cheesy toast, which I will upload on YouTube very soon. I'll update this blog when I finish editing it to insert the link on our YouTube Channel. Cooking is also one of the best activities for parents and children. They can learn beneficial things while cooking, like being patient and grateful.
5. Setting up the table before every meal
All of our plates and bowls are plastic. That's why it's okay for Nathan to help with this work, except for the cups and mugs. Before he knew how to do this, we always set up the table while he's watching, because of that, he knows where to put things right. While Nathan places plates and utensils, he usually says this "This is for mommy, and this is for Daddy, and this is for Tita Maia, and this is for Tito Mikey". We all have our places in the dining table, so it's funny that he knows even that. When I sit in Daddy's chair, he always says, "Mommy, that's not your spot, that's Daddy's!"
It's not all the time that Nathan helps me with these kinds of things. There are times, like other kids, he only wants to play with his toys. There are times (a lot of times!) that he messes things up again right after I clean or organize them. But it's okay, don't rush them to do these things right away, or don't expect them to do it at once. They're just toddlers, and they are just starting to explore the things around them. The important part is that you are there, guiding them all the way, and being a role model to them.
What about you? What are the household chores that your kids love to help you out with? Share them in the comment section below!
