The old adage that "no one likes doing chores" isn't actually true. Kids really seem to be able to find the fun side of anything - in a way that only kids can. In some households, you only need to get the vacuum cleaner out to suddenly find your toddler running over to help.
Cleaning the car, gardening, washing the dog, kids just love to be part of the action.
We at Meland love to encourage this behaviour. It's a great way for kids to bond with their parents while picking up essential skills for life.
We think it also makes doing chores a lot more bearable if you get to do them with your young one (though definitely makes them take 10 times as long!).
Introducing Chores to kids
Parents can start to introduce chores to kids from a very young age, though children don't have a concept of personal responsibility before the age of 3-4.
Parents can start by encouraging their children to pick up toys after themselves from 2 years old, and look after some of their own belongings from around 3, however it's around 5 years old before a child is really able to take on and understand responsibility.
Giving your daughter a specific daily job to do, like feeding a pet, or laying the table at dinner time, is a great way to instil a regular sense of responsibility and ownership of something.
There are a surprising number of chores toddlers can do, with a little bit of instruction from their parents. These include:
- Putting toys away
- Wiping down surfaces
- Feeding pets
- Picking up clothes
- Watering plants
- Helping out in the garden
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Taking out the trash
- Making the beds
- Filling the car with petrol
- Washing the car
How to Make Chores Fun for Kids
Your child will definitely let you know their preferences when it comes to chores.
Some kids love the vacuum cleaner, while others are a bit afraid of the noise. To start with, they will tell you what they want to do and it's best to let them join in when they want.
Once you've noticed that your child is particularly interested in a chore, involve them when you do it. Make it a special event.
Meland have a few toy sets that allow kids to play along with their parents while doing chores.
Whether it's joining mum or dad in the garden with their own gardening set or following behind with their own cleaning toys while mum or dad clean the house.
See, Chores can be Fun
Introducing your child to chores can be a great way to help them learn essential life skills while bonding with you. It can also be a lot of fun for both of you.
There are a surprising number of chores that toddlers can do with a little instruction from their parents.
Meland have a few toy sets that allow kids and parents to play together while doing chores. Whether it's joining mum or dad in the garden with their own gardening set or following behind with their own cleaning toys while mum or dad clean the house, chores can be fun for both of you.