House Chores with Mom

• Yourself

• A child

• Safe tools for children to use to help (paper towels, child sized broom, etc)

This can be learning on so many levels-probably all developmental standards to be honest. The feeling of helping and completing, having a “responsibility”, and “wantedness” is huge for young children.

They often want to help, be involved and to have some importance. Children thrive off of this. I never see Theo listen and respond so well when I involve him in house tasks. We regularly do them together; unload and load the dishwasher, vacuum, sweep, dust and cook (when appropriate).

He has child sized cleaning tools and we keep them with our adult ones. I am sure to leave them accessible so he doesn't have to wait for me to get involved with the house and our regular responsibilities.

Children love having a purpose and responsibility. Making this possible around the home is easier than you think. Make tools accessible (if appropriate), let them get involved in safe tasks and request their help when you can. They love being needed!