Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Ways a Two Year Old Can Help around the House

M is always eager to help me in my chores and so proud when she is able to do something. Occasionally, she is able to do things that genuinely save me time and effort, but mostly, I'm happy to let her help because I figure it is an investment in the future. She is learning skills, and she is learning to have a helpful spirit.

And of course, she has a lot of fun feeling involved!

Here is a list of things I have been able to find for her to do so far:

1. Fetching things: diapers, my cell phone when it is ringing, shoes, etc.

2. Throwing things in the trash can: little pieces of paper on the ground, diapers, scraps of paper from my cutting out coupons, etc.

3. Transferring laundry from the washer to the dryer: I put the wet clothes on the door of the dryer and she pushes them in.
4. Vacuuming: We have a little cordless sweeper that is light enough for her to push.

5. Dusting: I give her a baby wipe and set her loose in the living room with it.

6. Putting away her toys and books.

7. Snapping asparagus ends.

8. Baby spit-up catching: M watches our 6 week old baby like a hawk. If G has any little spit up or drool, or something in her nose, M is ready with a spit up cloth in an instant to clean it up.

9. Stirring food that is being prepared: I remember being fascinated with the whole cooking process when I was little- so many colors, sounds, textures, and smells. M seems to feel the same way, and likes standing on a chair to watch even when she can't help out.

10. Setting the table: I give her spoons, napkins, salt and pepper, etc to set on the table for me to arrange later. If we happen to be using paper plates, she is especially tickled to be able to place the plates at each person's chair.

11. Shucking corn: especially taking off the silkies.

I know that there must be lots of other ideas out there for ways that a 2 year old can help around the house. I'd love to learn about them!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

A two-year-old that I nannied for loved to fold washcloths. I would give her all the cloths while I folded the towels. The whole idea of matching the edges was fascinating to her. We also talked about colors and did some sorting activities at the same time.

K Magill said...

That is a super idea, Sarah! I'll have to try that!

Sandi said...

I tell my 1 1/2 year old to "go get your shoes" by which I mean, go pick out some shoes. All of her shoes are in one place, and this gives her practice at finding a matching pair. I also often let her pick out her clothes by giving her two options (any more is overwhelming) and then helping her put on the one she picks. She feels like she has so much power!

Oh, one more. When it's time to feed the dog I scoop up the food and let her carry it to his dish (with me helping her hold it steady) and then she dumps it in herself. She loves it so much that she would feed him the whole bag if I didn't lock the pantry!

Jessica said...

My son Bastien enjoys cleaning the windows
with vinegar water in a spray bottle (you can also
use club soda).
btw, I love your blog! My kids are very close in age
to yours and I've appreciated your ideas.
Jessica of thejlbs.com

K Magill said...

These are very fun ideas- thanks for sharing!

K Magill said...

That is a super idea, Sarah! I'll have to try that!

Jessica said...

My son Bastien enjoys cleaning the windows
with vinegar water in a spray bottle (you can also
use club soda).
btw, I love your blog! My kids are very close in age
to yours and I've appreciated your ideas.
Jessica of thejlbs.com

Carissa Bonham said...

Love this! HOW was I not following your blog before? I have no idea! This problem has been corrected. Thanks for being awesome, Katey!