DS is very interested in "helping" around the house, and I want to reinforce it. He's 21 months. We keep a sweeper out at all times, and he practices sweeping on his own. I save a lot of the cleaning for his nap time though. Any ideas on how to help get him more involved? I tried having him help me cook by stirring, but then he expected access to the kitchen counter any time he wanted--total disaster. He does feed the dog all by himself and is so so proud! What else could he do on his own or help me with?

Laundry! That is a great age to let them sort the socks and match them bu size, color, etc. It helps you and also teaches them at the same time! My dd, who is three, loves to match the socks up and she does a pretty good job of folding them too. She started helping when she was two.

I would also let him help with dusting. Give him a dust rag and let him go to war with it :lol: ...my kids always loved doing that. I also let mine take little bags of trash outside to the trash bin and help me pick up things around the house.

It is so sweet when they like to help out because trust me as they get older, the urge to help will go away :shock: .


Stephanie :D

yep, what they said...
also, loading/unloading the dishwasher, if applicable
they can at least assist in that...'honey can you put the spoons away? how many forks are there?' etc. setting the table too
cheap baby wipes are good for quick bathroom counter wipes, no toxic chemicals for little hands ;)
general tidying..put all of X items in such n such place...gather things into a small basket or something like that
helping make beds
taking laundry and linens to the washer, helping switch loads...so they may only handle a few wet socks...it's the idea behind it ;) and then can push the button to start if momma lifts them :)

Some things ds, 23 months, does are...
put dirty laundry in basket
pick up toys before he takes out new toys
throw any trash we have away
find the babies soothers and blankies
set the table with his dishes which we have put away in a cupboard ate his level
He helps us clear the table after dinner
wipe up spills and wipe off his table
and many of the other things already listed


On the cooking front we were having the same issues so I bought him a set of mini pots and pans and wooden spoons and I give him some cheerios and have him play on the floor. Yes, cheerios do cause a mess sometimes but i rather that mess than with aruguing with/ dealing with him up at the counter and the peace I get while cooking is nice too.