OK, we all know that it’s important to get our kids to help with household tasks. It’s great for character development, helps to prepare them for “real life,” and it keeps you (Mom) from going crazy trying to do it all yourself.
Training in this area is important, and that’s a whole other subject. However, there are also some practical things I’ve implemented that Work for Me in the area of “children and chores.”
One of the most basic things that children can be trained to do is put dishes away. My 18 month-old is currently helping her three year-old sister to unload the dishwasher during job time. This was next-to-impossible for my oldest son to do when he was this age. Why? Because, like many of you, I thought the dishes had to go in the uppler level of cabinets. That’s where everyone keeps them, right? And little ones can’t reach up there! So what has worked for me is to put all of our dishes in a lower (floor-level) cabinet instead. Yes, it’s a bit awkward for us adults to bend down there to get a plate when needed, BUT, it enables the littlest ones to put dishes away (easily and safely)–not to mention set the table at meal time! (Note: I still keep glassware in the upper cabinet; the kids just put the glassware on the table or leave it in the dishwasher and I put those away myself!)
Do you have toddlers who always want to “help” but aren’t really much help at all just yet? They just seem to wander around the house making trouble with everyone else’s cleaning job, don’t they?! Often during our daily task time, I’ll give my toddler a broom and a dustpan and ask her to sweep different areas of the floor. She doesn’t really “do” anything, but she feels important and helpful (and she stays out of trouble, which is the idea!). At other times, I’ll dampen a dishcloth and ask her to clean the table top or dining room chairs. If I show her how to do it and make a big deal out of her efforts, she’ll usually keep going on her own for quite a while. Or, try filling a spray bottle with plain water; give her the spray bottle and a washcloth and have her spray and wipe different surfaces (even the floor) to “clean” them.
I also make up “checklists” so that the children know what steps need to be completed for a given job. I often include line drawings or clip art so even my pre-readers can see what needs to be done. I’ve posted such lists on the washing machine to coach the kids through putting their own laundry in (I took actual digital photos of the process for this one!). I also made a “clean bathroom” list, and have another list posted in the barn so they remember to check the food and water, etc., for all the outdoor animals. It’s amazing how helpful this can be. My husband is a project manager, and he constantly reminds me that one of the most basic principles of successful project management is to “write it down!”
These are just a few of the things that “work for me” in helping my children to be more helpful around the house. Feel free to share your ideas by commenting! And don’t forget to visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for more “Works for Me Wednesday” tips!