I'm looking for ways to have my toddlers help with my daily cleaning...they are only 2 and 3 years old, thanks!! I've given them a rag to help with dusting but I'm looking for some more ideas (some that won't cause more of a mess!)

I need to enlist my youngers more myself.
But, some things they can do....
take a baby wipe to bathroom counters (since we wouldn't want them handling the Lysol/Clorox kind ;) )
they can help load/unload the dishwasher
they can help set/clear the table at meal times
they can help put away groceries
give them a small broom and they can help sweep
maybe they can even help "Windex" things...you spray, they wipe
they can fold towels/wash cloths
they can help sort socks
they can put clothes in appropriate piles once mom folds them
they can help put away their own clothes
and of course, they can pick up after themselves
they can start making their own bed

Did that help a little?

It *is* hard to fit little ones into house keeping because we just want it DONE. But we have to back up, remember that we are teaching them. They have to learn the good habits. They don't naturally know them. We must take the time to teach them. Don't sweat the small stuff ;) In time, they'll actually be helping much more, you'll feel it hehe

I taught my DD how to pull her covers over and make her bed. It doesn't have to be perfect and I am not picky. I just wanted her to have a responsiblity around the house to feel special. Now she does it without me having to ask. She also helps me by bringing her laundry tote to the washer and helping me switch laundry over and bring it to where I sort and fold it. I also let my DD have a kitchen towel and a water sprayer and pretend to "wash the window" sometimes. (sliding glass door - low windows would work too) I hope this helps. :D

I forgot about the sorting socks, Tara. That's a good one! It teaches matching, math and classification too. :wink:

I do the same thing Becca. I was taught very early not to start my day until the bed was made. So DS makes his bed.. not perfectly but with much effort.

He also Feeds the dog
Dusts around his videos
Pushes the Swiffer around before I mop
Throws the wash once I hand it to him into the dryer
Matches socks
He really tries to wash the dishes, but mommy rewashes


There are a lot of things you can allow your children to do... it just takes patience

Ds loves the dust buster and the little wisk broom and dustpan, so I let him have at in and he is content for a good hour!

mine swiffer, pick up toys, help unload the dishwasher, set the table, clear the table, and when it's nice, they hand me clothes and clothespins to help hang the clothes out to dry.

My oldest takes care of our recycling! [heartbeat]

Let's see, Grant chases the vacuum but is deathly afraid of the steam cleaner. He is obsessed with the broom, so we have two, one for him and one for me he "helps" me sweep. He also helps me get ready to vacuum. He picks everything up off of the floor while I sing "Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere, Clean up, clean up, everybody do their share." He loves to wipe things with baby wipes too. He is very good about putting things away, but you have to show him where they go and you have to ask him to put it away. Sometimes it takes a few times asking before he will comply.