Let's face it, cleaning is no fun. But doing it with your toddler is a great way to occupy that busy little mind, get your work done and help them learn at the same time. Here is a list of things that worked for me:

1. While preparing dinner, I gave her a potato, a wet rag and a bowl. She was so busy cleaning the potato that I was able to prepare a lovely meal and she was occupied.

A head of lettuce also works great. She loved to tear it up and put it in the bowl. Busy-busy!

2. Laundry is a great way to learn colors. We used to go to the hamper and get the clothes and march down the hallway singing, MARCH, MARCH, MARCH 2-3-4. It made it fun for both of us. When we got to the washer the color game came into play. She ended up being very good at it.
I would also let her put things in the washer and hand her the soap to pour in and when the washer was done I would hand her the clothes and let her put them in the dryer.

3. I got her a play sweeper, broom and dust pan for next to nothing and while I was doing the real clean-up she was so busy doing hers. They like to mimic and do the same things we do and if you put on some music you can also teach them to dance with the broom!

4. Give them a dry paper towel and have them wash down the kitchen appliances. I tried a wet one once but there were streaks on everything. I found that a dry one works just a well and there is nothing for you to have to go over.

5. Loading and unloading the dishwasher is a great past-time. Also they love to wash (plastic) glasses by hand. I put a small stool up to the sink and let her put in the soap. I stayed right there so that she didn't fall off, but I used that time to look out the window and relax my mind.

6. A feather-duster is a wonderful thing for a child. We thought it was to make our lives easier but trust me, that was made by a genius. Never did I think that she would have so much busy-time. She couldn't hurt anything with it and she used it everywhere.

7. When I was cleaning a kitchen cupboard the Tupperware drawer was a gold mine! Everything out and back in just like what mommy was doing! Great way to teach shapes and sizes.

8. While working outside give them a plastic bowl and spoon. You will get you flowers planted and they will create a masterpiece. It is also fun to let them help you plant the flowers. You can teach them to be patient, gentle and learn more about colors.

9. Teach them how to recycle. Paper, plastic, cans-they again are learning to help but learning the difference in objects at the same time.

10. They love to fold socks when the laundry is done. The best part of all was once we were done we would sit in the chair together and rest and then MARCH, MARCH, MARCH 2-3-4 down the hall to put the clothes away.

Learn more about this author, Vivian Edwards.
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