Tiny Helpers: Why Your Toddler Should Do 'Chores' (And How to Start)

"Me help!"

You are trying to fold laundry in your San Jose apartment. Your toddler runs over and grabs a neatly folded shirt, shaking it open. Your instinct is to say, "No, no, go play! Mommy will do it."

It is faster to do it yourself. Much faster. But at Sunny Child Care, we encourage you to slow down and say, "Yes, you can help."

Toddlers have an innate drive to be part of the "tribe." When we push them away to "go play," we are telling them their contribution isn't needed. When we let them help, we tell them: "You are capable, and you are an important part of this family."

Here are 3 simple, toddler-friendly chores that build motor skills and self-worth.

1. The Laundry Assistant

Laundry is endless, so it's the perfect training ground.

• The Task: Loading the washer or dryer.
• The Skill: Gross motor skills (throwing) and following directions.
• The Game: "Throw the blue socks in! Now the red shirt!"
• Advanced Level: Matching socks. It’s a matching game!

2. The Table Wiper

Toddlers love water. Use that to your advantage.

• The Task: Wiping the table after dinner.
• The Tool: Give them a small spray bottle (filled with water) and a rag.
• The Skill: Hand strength (squeezing the trigger) and circular arm movements (writing prep!).
• Note: It might get a bit wet. That's okay. It's just water.

3. The Grocery Sorter

After a trip to Trader Joe's or 99 Ranch, you have bags to unpack.

• The Task: Putting away non-breakable items.
• The Game: "Can you put the apples in the bowl?" "Can you put the cereal box on the low shelf?"
• The Skill: Sorting and categorizing.

Reframe "Helping"

They will not do it perfectly. The table will still be sticky. The socks will be mismatched. That is not the point. The point is the process.

• Don't fix it in front of them. (Fix it later when they aren't looking).
• Praise the effort: "Thank you for helping our family. You are such a hard worker."

By inviting them in now, you are laying the foundation for a teenager who (hopefully) won't roll their eyes when you ask them to take out the trash!

Learn about our practical life curriculum