Children like to copy what their parents are doing, including chores. It’s worth teaching them and letting them help out with simple tasks around the house. It will help build their independence and set a standard for doing chores when they get older. Even though I like teaching my son and letting him help, it does take a lot of extra patience. Sometimes it feels like the task takes 3 times as long, which can be frustrating. I just have to remind myself that this is beneficial for both of us. Here are some things my toddler helps me with (and yes, a lot of them have to do with the dog):

Get the Dog in the Morning

• My dog has his own room under the stairs, but this would also apply if your dog sleeps in a kennel at night. My son loves opening the door for my dog to get out.

Feed dog

• A super easy one. He knows the dog gets one scoop of food in his bowl or snuffle mat. We do monitor this to make sure our dog is getting the correct amount of food.

Getting the Dog a Treat

• When we leave the house, we put our dog in his room. We let our son give our dog a treat when the dog goes into the kennel. And yes, we do monitor all activities that involve our dog. Although our dog is well-trained and takes treats very gently, we still watch to make sure our dog is being gentle.

Water Plants

• My son loves watering the plants outside with the hose or a watering can.

Water Trees

• This is a nice activity for when you are working since you don’t need to worry as much about overwatering trees. I fill a wagon with water, and give my son some cups to water the tree. This keeps him occupied so I can work. Once he “finishes” watering one tree, we fill up the wagon again, and he waters the other tree.

Clean counters

• To clean our granite counters, I have a spray bottle with water and dish soap. So I’ve taught my son how to spray the counter and wipe it up using a rag. Yes, I still have to clean the counters myself after him, but he has fun and feels like he’s being helpful.

Vacuum

• Another easy one. You can either buy your kid their own working vacuum (we purchased a cute kid Dyson vacuum) or let them help you with a normal vacuum.

Clean Up Toys 

• This has actually helped out our nighttime routine. We sing the clean-up song and encourage our son to help us clean up. Sometimes he chooses not to help, but most of the time he will help us clean up, and it helps him know we are getting close to bedtime.

Set the Table

• Let them help get the plates, cups, and napkins on the table!

Laundry 

• This is one of my son’s favorite chores. I let him put the clothes in the washer, help pour the detergent/softener, and push the buttons to start the load. And when it’s ready to be put in the dryer, he helps with that, too. He will also attempt to help me fold them, and that can be a bit excruciating. But hey, he feels very proud when he finishes.

You’ll need to have a lot of patience, but it’s worth it. Are there any other chores you do with your kids? I would love to know!