It is sometimes easy to underestimate the abilities of our children, especially when they are toddlers.  It is easy to just to everything for them.  I get that.  Letting them do stuff themselves is definitely the hard way but it is not the best way to raise responsible and independent people.   Getting your toddler involved in chores can be an important step in developing responsible and independent behaviour.   It’s also a good way to help your child build positive self-esteem knowing they have not only contributed to the family and household, but that you also trust them to do a good job.  That’s why I’ve come with a few chores your toddler can do all by themselves.

Keep in mind that your toddler is not an adult.  Do not expect perfection and remember to praise and encourage your child as they are working rather than waiting for them to finish.

 11 Chores Toddlers Can Do On Their Own

Pick Up Toys

Your toddler is definitely capable of picking up their own toys each day. Because your toddler is the one making the mess, it’s important that they are also the ones to pick up those toys, making picking up toys a great chore to start your toddler with. This will help your toddler become more organized and you’ll love not stepping on Legos on your way to the bathroom.

Wash Produce

Sit your toddler at the sink and have them rinse off your produce as you prep your meals.  This is a fun way to keep them occupied while you cook .

Feed Pets

Do you have pets in your home? If so, your toddler can help you feed your pets! Show your child how much food your pet needs, such as 1 scoop from the food bag, and then let your child do this themselves. Since your toddler is still young and apt to forget things, it’s important that you check that the chore has be completed. You can use a sticker chart to help track the days that your child completes this chore without being reminded.

Wipe Door Handles

Your toddler is the perfect height for this fun chore! If this chore is on your toddler’s to-do list, then hand them a Clorox wipe and let them run around wiping all of the door knobs off. Not only will your child be responsible for a weekly chore, they’ll also be ridding your home of a lot of germs. It’s a win-win for any mom.

Make their Bed

Don’t forget to add your child’s bed to the chore list. This is a great daily chore that you can assign to your toddler. Simply have your toddler make their own bed before leaving the bedroom. To do this, your toddler will need to straighten the pillows and pull the blanket up over the pillows. Not only is this a good chore to teach your child responsibility, it’s also a great habit to learn.

Pick up Dirty Laundry

Your child can easily be shown how to pick up their dirty laundry and put it in the hamper for you.

Fold Laundry

If you want your toddler to help with laundry, you might want to start with socks!  They can look for two socks that are the same and not only will you get a little help with laundry duty, but your toddler will also learn important matching skills as they compare socks trying to find ones that are the same.  Once they have mastered this you can move them on to other items that are easy to fold like cloths and tea towels.

Put away Clean Laundry

This one can get a bit frustrating as some pieces will become unfolded in the process but it is a great way for your toddler to learn how to sort objects and it is definitely one of the more fun chores for toddlers.

Clean up Spills

This one is huge since they are typically the ones causing the spills in the first place.  Little ones absolutely love cleaning up spills so this one won’t require too much convincing on your part. 

Dust Furniture

This is similar to cleaning up spills and something toddlers can absolutely love doing.

Wash Dirty Dishes

 Your toddler will love this job between the bubbles and the water.  Get them to wash up and dry any non-breakable dishes such as plastic cups, spoons, pots etc..

Your toddler is old enough participate in household chores. What chores do you assign to your toddler?

 
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Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!