Toddler band tees > Site map > Info Center > Letting your little rocker help with chores

Letting your little rocker help with chores

While I might not be your average mother, sporting tattoos and piercings; and gaining looks at every turn down the aisle of the store. However I am still a firm believer, that it is never too early to have a child help with daily chores. Not only does it help teach a child the value of hard work, but it also helps to build self esteem. This of course is proven to me, over and over again. Every night, when we are winding down for sleep we have our daughter put her juice in the sink and help pick up her toys. I have never seen her get upset, or angry about helping. Quite the contrary, she often times exerts a proud look, followed by an over flow of hugs for myself and her father.


Brown and pink skull gift setPink skull bibGrenade onesieBlack and red skull booties Skull maternity shirtHot pink guitar gift set

Giving your toddler a few age appropriate chores can be in important step. Not only does it provide, and instill values at a young age, but it also allows for some bonding time between yourself and your toddler. This also allows even the most tired of parents, to get some house work done, all while spending some quality time with their children. Remember, all children want to do grown up things, and love to try new, and fun things. Not only are they helping, but they are learning in the process.

However, it is of vital importance to remember that not all chores are appropriate. Any chores that could result in injury or bodily harm, simply should be done by an adult. Things such as, dealing with sharp objects, machinery are obvious chores that should only be completed by an adult. While many chores will require your supervision, at very least when you start them, it may beneficial to write small chores down. This will allow you to stop, and think of what is appropriate for your child. Chances are, if you are able to hand over an easily mastered task, it will allow your child to feel pride in themselves. It will also allow you to reward your child, by offering them things such as a new outfit, movie, cd or a new book.

One more important thing to keep in mind, is that you can never expect the chores to get done as they would, with yourself doing them. Your child is only capable of doing so much, so if it is a chore that you'd like done properly it would best preformed by yourself. Below is a list of some small chores, that are appropriate for your younger children. However, they will vary depending on your own lifestyle, as well as your comfort level in allowing your child to complete them.

Age appropriate chores, for children two to four:

* Wiping up spills, especially ones that your child creates themselves.
* Dusting low surfaces, without the use of chemicals of course.
* Feeding the dog, or cat (This one will require your close supervision)
* Picking up their toys, and placing them into their bins etc. (This will depend on your home's configuration)
* Sweeping floors, or outdoor porches (This will probably require your help, with a full-sized broom. However, several retailers offer child-sized brooms)
* Throwing paper/trash away, when told to do so.
Age appropriate chores, for children five to six years of age:
* Setting the dinner table, using plastic dishes.
* Drying dishes, before putting them away.
* Help make easy to assemble foods, such as a PB&J sandwich.

Related information topics:

From Cutesy to Dressy: Dressing baby for all occasion
Avoiding over-stimulation during the holidays
Flogging Molly baby clothes
Keeping rules intact during the holidays
Hip hop fashion
Kids skate clothes
Tool baby clothes
Matching outfits for parents & babies
Urban baby clothes
The Bouncing Souls baby clothes

[ Return to parenting and pregnancy information center ]