by Vikki McMahon

Created on: June 14, 2008

Responsibility is a concept that should be learned at a young age. Giving children as young as two years old small chores is a great way to instill this important trait. My own son, who is now two and a half, has had a daily chore list for a year. He loves it! It adds structure to his day and gives him a sense of accomplishment. The big smile on his face after he finishes a task is proof that this works.

Start Small

While it is a good idea to get toddlers started early on their own chores, keep them simple at first. Toddlers best understand basic, one step instruction. Placing their dirty clothes in the basket, putting away one toy at a time in its proper place, and throwing trash into the garbage can are all easy ways to start showing them how to clean up after themselves.

Stay Consistent

The worst mistake parents make is not keeping to the routine. Toddlers may quickly learn how to pick up their own toys, but if you only have them do it occasionally, or do not make it a rule, they will have no reason to keep it up. When a chore is "new", toddlers love to do it and receive the praise and attention that comes with doing it right. However, any novelty wears thin after awhile, and this is where consistency comes into play. Keep after them every day to complete their tasks, even if they do not want to. Be careful to distinguish between the resistance that means they do not want to do it and the resistance that may signal they are not ready for that particular chore. Use your best judgment. The whining may not seem worth it at first, especially when you could do the job yourself in less time, but establishing and enforcing the rules early is key to guiding your child on their journey to responsibility.

Allow Chores To Grow With Your Toddler

As toddlers get older, you can begin to increase the complexity of their chores. Let's say they has been very good about placing there dirty clothes in the basket. Now is a good time to teach them (with your help) where the dirty laundry goes after it's in the basket. Take them to your laundry area and have them load the washer. Or, if they have learned how to put away all of their books, now show them to do the same with their stuffed animals. Add steps as you see fit, and remember, every child is different and develops at their own pace. You will know best how much your child can handle at any given moment.

Expand Their To-Do List

When my son turned two, I was shocked when my husband started directing him to clear the dinner table. "Isn't he a little young for that?" I asked. But I was surprised when my son turned out to be very adept at carrying in the dirty dishes and placing them on the kitchen counter. Of course, we collected the knives, heavy items, or anything that still contained hot foods, but the rest was up to him. My biggest lesson learned from this: never underestimate your child. Even if you think something may be too much for them, try it. You can always scale it back if it does not work out. Trying new things is the best way to expand their chore list. Give them a rag and have them follow you around while you dust. Allow them to push the carpet sweeper while it's turned on. Little ones are so eager to do what the grownups are doing, they will more than likely imitate you as you go about your tasks. If they seem to get the hang of it, make it a part of their daily routine.

There is nothing more satisfying than watching your child learn new things. Giving toddlers their own chores to complete instills the same sense of satisfaction within themselves. And as they grow to recognize that wonderful feeling of accomplishment, they are more likely to develop into confident, responsible children and adults.

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