CHORES FOR THE LITTLE ONE

Ethan is undoubtedly my little helper when it comes to chores. He really loves to (pretend) iron the clothes, to help me put the clothespins on the laundry for drying, and most especially he loves to vaccum with me. Lately, he wants to help me with washing the dishes but he's a bit too little to reach the sink. We don't have a stool here so I suppose we could postpone that when we get back home. At least at home, he could make a mess without worries.

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http://www.parenting.com/parenting/child/article/0,19840,1575938,00.html?age=12029


Toddler-Friendly Chores What your little can and can't do around the house
By Elizabeth Rusch

Cleaning up toys
What he can do: Pick them up off the floor and sort them into buckets or onto a low shelf
What he can't: Stay focused enough to tackle a huge mess
How to help: Establish a place for every toy; clean up one mess before making another

Putting away clothes
What he can do: Hang his jacket on a hook; place shoes in a closet; toss dirty things into a basket
What he can't: Tell the difference between clean and dirty clothes
How to help: Hang low hooks near the entry; place a hamper near his room or bathroom; add "put clothes away" to your coming-home and bedtime routines

Setting the table
What he can do: Place napkins, forks, spoons, and plastic cups (maybe plates)
What he can't: Carry sharp knives; be responsible for your best china
How to help: Lay out one place setting as a model; work on plates one day, napkins the next

Dusting
What he can do: Wipe a cloth on a surface right in front of him
What he can't: Thoroughly clean large surfaces; dig into corners; move objects to dust
How to help: Fill a clean spray bottle with water; closely supervise spraying; suggest he move down the table when one spot is done

Sweeping
What he can do: Imitate your motions with a broom; push dirt around
What he can't: Actually gather dust into a pile
How to help: Offer a kid-size broom and dustpan; hold the dustpan while he sweeps