10 Jobs for Toddlers/Preschoolers
Children ages 2-5 are capable of so much. This is the age where they think we, as adults, know everything and want to do everything we do (we should cherish this because when they are teenagers we all know this may not be the case!).
The truth is sometimes we don’t look at this as an opportunity – rather an annoyance. They sometimes seem “in the way” and it will “take too much time” to get them involved. But I ask you to take a second and consider…..What would our lives look like if we encouraged this natural drive? Slowed down our busy lives to include these eager helpers rather than pushing them out of the way.
Could it look like a 3-year-old taking laundry to the washer without being asked – because they have been taught “what helpful looks like?” Could it look like dinner on the table 15 minutes later than we planned – but with a picky toddler willing to take a bite of something they helped prepare?
I am a busy mom of 3 kiddos – 3 and under myself. So don’t take this as I ALWAYS have them help with absolutely everything. I don’t, I have places to be at specific times too.
BUT I have been reaping the beautiful rewards of a slowed pace and want to start sharing “jobs” with you so you may experience some of the joy I get to enjoy!
Some of these jobs are basic – well actually all of them are. You have probably thought of all of them too! But have you ever thought of how many BASIC things we have to do on a daily basis and how little hand could lead to big help? Let’s rally our home-based army and get to work!
1. Matching socks
This is an excellent way to help keep toddlers/preschoolers busy while you are folding laundry and have them involved! You can increase the challenge by having them practice turning them right side out, picking through the laundry themselves to find the socks, and teaching them how to fold or roll them together. You can also make it easier by pulling out the socks first, giving them only a few at a time to separate, and talking about colors, sizes (which sock is bigger/smaller) etc.
2. Dusting
I never have enough time to get to everything in my house each week and dust. It may just be me but this is something that tends to get done once I can SEE the dust! Kids + Swiffer duster (handheld ones especially) are a match made in heaven. They love it and let’s be honest. Whatever they clean is more than I would have gotten to that day 😊
3. Wiping the table
Kids + food = mess. That is basic math, right? Wiping the table is a very simple task but actually has many benefits for kids. They learn to take care of their place. It takes strength of many muscles to reach, stretch, push, and pull to get the job done. Warm up the washcloth or make it very cold for a different sensory experience.
4. Sorting silverware
Great matching game with everyday materials. We increase the fun by allowing the kids to stand on a chair or step stool. Climbing on something always makes things more fun in our house!
5. Tile spot clean
Squirt bottles with water and a towel. Their backs are younger than ours and actually find this to be fun believe it or not. I usually give my kids a job of “one square at a time” and that helps cut down on the mess, helps them focus on a smaller area, and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they are done. PS dollar store has the BEST smaller squirt bottles (many are colored too)!
6. Clothes in the basket
How many times do you change kid clothes? After breakfast, messy after play sometimes, before bed? This can be something kids can be solely responsible for and will get a chance to practice every day, multiple times a day!
7. Laundry Push
Going right along with clothes in the basket – someone has to push, pull, or carry that laundry to the washer! “Heavy tasks” are SO GOOD for development. Incorporate these with laundry, carrying groceries, etc. Work on teamwork – you pick up one side and have them pick up the other and carry together. Work on walking slowly – then quicker! So many fun things to do with all that dirty laundry.
8. Wiping booster seat
This is a job I can’t stand. I don’t know why. I just don’t like it, but it is no big deal for my toddlers. They are already wiping their spot at that table so this is no big deal to them BUT a huge deal to me!
9. Plates to sink
Again, simple right…but the key to these things is having them do it every time until it is just habit. “This is just what we do!” It makes all the difference.
10. Make their own bed
No – it will not be up to your standards. But go with me here. Having them take “part” of making their bed, like putting on the pillow once it is nice is big for their confidence. It teaches them to wait while you are making the rest of their bed until you get to “their part.” As they watch you do it over, and over, and over start giving them one more task….and one more until they learn how to make their bed all on their own! It is magical 😊
Two final tips: rewarding and hovering. These are personal preferences but in our home, the reward for these tasks is a thank you, “you put in a lot of hard work” type praise, and maybe even a high five.
Our family is working hard to raise people that understand there is always work to be done AND always ways to reward others when you see a job well done. It doesn’t look like bribery and it doesn’t look like M&M’s every time our kids do something. Teaching them to value words and recognition that is not tied to material things will help set them up for success as adults. Not only will it help them realize appreciation comes in different ways but it equips them, from a young age, to be able to recognize others when they notice them working hard, showing kindness, bringing joy, etc.
Hovering – I try not to. I model the behavior first and leave them to it. It won’t be perfect but that is not what we are striving for. We are working toward confident, helpful, self-driven people. Standing over them “helping” will do the exact opposite. Praise the effort, not the finished product. Model the next time, and the next time, and the next time and have fun watching them get a little better each time!
I hope you have fun implementing these simple jobs – more to come! How many can we come up with?? Message me, follow on Instagram/Facebook, or comment below! Can’t wait to connect with you!
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