by G. Emma Ryder

Created on: August 09, 2009

Toddlers are the easiest to teach. They are so eager to learn and do. They take great pride in doing well. They want to know what to do and how to do it. It begins by talking to them while doing your own daily responsibilities. Choosing age appropriate chores in the same room as you work is an excellent to keep them engaged and thinking about what is actually going on. Toddlers attention span is about this ___ long at that age. If there is something going on and the TV is on, you don't have a chance in the world.

Talking about your day. Why you do what you do. Talking about what they do and who will like what they have done. When that person comes home, you may want to coax them on what to notice, how to praise the work that has been done. This affirms the child's efforts. Within a few days, the toddler will be doing it and expecting the same glowing praise and the same enthusiasm from the same person. It may seem silly but everyone likes to be appreciated for what their compliments.

Make time for all their activities ,as well as, chores. Time to paint, afterwards comes the responsibility to clean up. Time to color in coloring books and then pick up time. Work in the garden, using the hose to water the flowers then putting away the hose, gardening tools and the weeds that you picked into the garbage. Picking flowers for the table, taking them inside cleaning off the extra stems, finding a vase. Each new activity has responsibilities to clean up, pick up and the results. Enjoying the vegetables and sharing them with friends and family, praising the toddler for their efforts on the projects. Every activity in the house has bits that can include your toddler. Be creative and enjoy their chatter that goes along with it.

The adults are no exception so have the toddler understand what Daddy does for the family: his responsibilities. What is Mommy job and responsibilities. When Daddy comes home the same praise needs to be verbalized for him and for Mom. As well as, any children. Realizing everyone's place and the order of your home is always best to show a well running home.

If a failure to perform a responsibility is made,an example: a meal is not made on time, the same attention should be shown about that as well. Include the child in the decision and problem solving process. Their answers may make sense or not. The point is to make them feel that they have a position in the family and a failure to perform a responsibility will effect each member in the family. Example: I am sure Daddy will be hungry when he gets home. Mommy knows the toddler is hungry. Mommy needs to hurry to make something for supper, I was so busy with the shopping. We got home late. What can Mommy do to fix supper in a hurry? My grandson response was always: Pizza!.

Learn more about this author, G. Emma Ryder.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.