One of the greatest things about having a toddler in the house is that you're never short on "helping hands," even when you don't really want them. A one year old child may not understand the concept of "chores," but will delight in being a little helper in almost any situation. Children 2-5 years old are not only capable of understanding what chores are, they are also capeable of doing them.

For the younger toddler (around 2-3 years) set the chores simple. They are able to assist you in cleaning their room and play area, they can learn to fold wash cloths and dish towels, they can put their dirty clothing in the hamper, and they can help to put their clean clothes away. The trick to getting a 2 year old to help you do these chores is to make it fun and exciting for them.

Children between the ages of 3-5 can begin to accomplish some chores on their own. The are old enough to try to make their own beds, help set the table, clean their room on their own, put up most of their clean clothes, help fold clothes, feed household pets, or help keep other rooms clean by picking up things that don't belong. The bed may not be made perfectly, and the idea of "clean" can become tossing stuff in the closet, but make it a point to show them the correct way to accomplish these tasks, and express your appreciation at how hard they are working.

Improvement comes with age and experience. They will eventually grown out of the "little helper's" stage, so appreciate it while it lasts.

Learn more about this author, Asaria Setemyr.
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