by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: November 14, 2008

As your child starts to grow from a dependant baby, to an independant toddler, giving him or her more responsibility can help a child develop many healthy behaviors early. Not only can simple focused chores help your child, but your child will be helping you more than you may realise. You hear many people say that children need disapline, but giving your child structure and focus can be even more benifitial in the growing process. Children strive to be noticed, and love to be able to do things that they see their parents doing.

HAVE PATIENCE

Your toddler may not make your kitchen look sparkling clean, and they may cause your cleaning routine to take a little while longer, but when your finished it will all be worth it. Assigning your child a chore doesn't mean they have to be an expert at it, you may have to do it again. If your child accidently makes a bigger mess, try laughing about it instead of getting upset. It is always important to make your child feel proud of his or herself, and even more important to them is letting them know that they helped you out.

FINDING WAYS THAT YOUR CHILD CAN HELP

Try to incorrperate your child into your daytime routine of household cleaning. While drying the dishes, allow your child to dry any plastic dishes, spoons, or cups you may have, then ask if him or her would like to put them away. Giving your child his or her own towel to dry the dishes will make this extra special. While you are washing the dishes, ask your child to guess when the sink gets too full with soapy water, or ask them to put some dishes into the sink. For laundry, let your child throw the laundry in the washer ( you may wish to seperate the colours first or you can ask them for each colour specificly and see how many they can guess right. Names of different articles of clothing can also make learning more fun. Some children also enjoy folding laundry even if they don't know how let them copy you and then ask them to put them away (you can always go back and fold them later). Sweeping the floor is also a favorite for most kids as well.

HOW IT CAN EFFECT BEHAVIOR AND SELF-ESTEEM

When a toddler is helping out their parents in an encouraging enviroment, they get a sence of importance and respect. Even at this young age, toddlers can tell when they are being left out or unnoticed. When a child gets the feeling that they are being pushed away they can start to get upset and as most parents think, act out. Asking your child to clean with you, can not only keep them busy, but it is giving them an important sence of selfworth. Using only positive words and suggestions, and redirecting them gently when nessecary is key to creating the I can do it attitude. Allowing your child to use the most of their own abilities in anything they do will create a happier more focused child that will gladly do anything to make you proud. You will also feel proud and excited when you can see how much your toddler really can do. When not expecting anything big, you will see the biggest results.

Learn more about this author, Chrissy Harrison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.