What are some easy chores that a toddler could do?

Question

I have two toddlers that want to help out but they want to do it "all by themselves." I need some ideas for chores that are simple and easy (i.e. putting silverware away, wiping door handles, etc.) Thanks!

Answer 1

My son is two and loves the following:
- Using a duster (he actually does some good)
- Using a dustpan and small broom
- Wiping down the table or floor (dry cloth or just lightly dampened with water)

Answer 2

I use to watch my 3 cousins for 3 months while there mom was in basic training for the Army and there dad was in jail. They were 3,6 and 9. I bought a bin type thing that his toys go in and when it was time to clean up his room, he would pick up his toys and throw them and try to make it in the bin, it was fun so his 6 year old brother joined in too and the room was clean. They did the same with dirty clothes in the hamper. They will probably be more into it if you did it with them, or when cleaning there room, you did the hard stuff , ie folding clothes and dusting high to reach places. and they can throw there toys into the bin, encourage them by saying, wow you threw that one far etc....The 3 year old would help me with unloading and loading the dishwasher, he would take the dishes out and hand them to me, I just told him he had to be really carefull with the plates. He would put the silverware away and the tubberware. I taught the 3 year old to wipe the table, just give him a napkin a spray bottle with water or like a little bit of cleaner w/ water and have him clean the dinner table. This is all I could think of as of now. Hope I could help :)

Answer 3

The best they can do is pick up there toys.

My 2 year old DD also helps me put laudry in our washer and dryer (we have a front loading washer so this may not work with a regualr one), she also likes dusting.

You can also switch to non-toxic cleaning products and they can help clean windows and table tops. I find vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle works great and can leave you with streak free windows and coffee tables, plus you don't have to worry about the cleaning stuff being hazordous for the tot.

I also have a toddler sized vaccum, broom, iron and other stuff that she will follow me around and mimic what I do. It is surprising how much you can get done when they are copying you. She irons her clothes and I iron mommy and daddy's. Plus these toys will be great when they get older and like to play house

Answer 4

As a mother of four all under the age of 6 I have been there. All mine help out with things around the house. The 2 year old likes when I give her a wash cloth with just water on it and let her clean the tables, the counter, and things like that. My 4 year old likes to help rinsing dishes she will get her chair and pull it up next to the sink and help, it takes a little longer but she enjoys it and soon she can do the dishes by herself,lol. My 6 year old can do laundry by himself now because I always had him help me put clothes from the washer to the dryer, he likes to clean windows and vaccumm. Let them do what you feel they can handle. Having them help out now will prepare them for later in life. If you make it fun like putting the radio on and dancing around while you clean it makes it seem more like a game than a chore.

Answer 5

Ha ha, my 2 year old son is always trying to help me, sometimes it gets so annoying because he gets upset when I say No!

Every time I get dinner prepared and he sees me in the kitchen he will drag a chair over and insist on helping. Most of the time I will find something for him to do like pouring the peas into the bowl or after I chop a carrot he puts those into the bowl. It gets really annoying because it all takes twice as long.

Mind you, when I ask him to do something like put his toys away he will say "No".

My son loves when I ask him to wipe the table down, he ends up wiping all his toys, the walls and even the carpet.

He helps me put dirty clothes into the washing machine

Just little things they can do for you makes them feel special.

If your little ones dont like doing anything, try and make it fun like bake a cake and get them to take turns in mixing, and pouring in the sugar etc etc. All my boys love making a cake or biscuits!

Answer 6

Let them pick up their own toys. They can also make their own beds-it might not (in fact, probably will not) be perfect but atleast they are doing it on on their own.

They can sort and match (an important skill) their own socks and put them in their sock drawer. You can fold their other clothes and let them put them in the dresser drawers. Give them wash cloths to fold (another good skill to practice).

Purchase a child size broom-my children LOVED to sweep at that age, and if they have a dust pan that is also a way to practice motor skills. They can also use a feather duster, just be careful of breakables!

Answer 7

putting silverware away is a good chore my 2 year old nephew helps me do that.

putting dishes in the sink is another good chore.

Answer 8

Some great things that they can do is put thier plates in the dishawasher or sink, fold/match socks, dust some things that not glass, clean the toilet with the brush, sweep under the table.

Answer 9

I just wanted to say I'm glad there are parents out there who want their kids to do chores. The best thing is to start when they are young, so they don't grow up being lazy like my ex-fiance who never had to do anything, and as an adult, never cleaned his apartment or washed his dishes.

Answer 10

Well with our two year old, he likes to play put clothes in basket. He also thinks its a game to help sort them. He helps with the dishwasher he is the tray puller and pusher. He also goes gets me trash bags to put in once the old ones ar taken out. He puts his sippy cups, fork, spoon, and plate in sink. He pulls the clothes out of the dryer as well. He tries to sweep and mop with the swifter.