Toddlers and Chores

Since we have been sticking to our Daily Chore schedule, I have noticed that my 2 year old really wants to be involved. I had originally left him out because I thought he was to young to help with the chores. But I have since changed my mind. Here is a list of a few things that toddlers (ages 2-4) can do to help around the house. (just remember that they are still very young and need help and guidance)

• Wipe Baseboards with soapy water
• Wipe doorknobs (great for flu season)
• Wipe down the high chair or bumbo (you may need to go behind them)
• Put toys in the toy box
• Replace the toilet paper
• Put the clothes from the dryer into a laundry basket
• Bring cloths hampers to the laundry room
• Help make up their bed (to be done with mommy)
• Help pull sheets off of beds on sheet washing day
• Wipe down leather sofa’s
• Had you dishes from the dishwasher (kind of annoying, but fun for them)
• Clean up trash and toys from van or car
• Clear the table after meals
• Set the table
• Help carry in Groceries (light bags)
• Empty bathroom trashcans into larger trash bag, or kitchen trash can
• Fold wash rags

Those are a few of our favorites. What chores do you have your toddlers do?

Chores- Saving Money

Now that Hailey is 8, we decided it was time that she learned how to save her money up for something that she wants. So we continued to use our chore system, you can view it by clicking on this link. “Chore System”

Anyway, since Hailey is older now she has the opportunity to earn money for extra chores. We believe that children are an equal part of the family, so they are expected to pitch in and do regular chores without being paid. But, after those are done, the children can earn money for doing extra chores. They can earn $.25 a chore. They have a limit of 4 extra chores a day, Mon.-Fri. Pay day is on Saturday. I usually allow them to spend their money right away, but we recently started setting savings goals with Hailey.

Setting savings goals has worked out great for Hailey. Her first goal was $30.00. That month was her birthday month, and she chose to save that money as well. Before we knew she had met her goal, and this is what she got.

She continues to earn and save money. She also on her own, decided to keep $1.00 each week for the offering at church. I am so proud of her!

Helping with Laundry

Hailey (8) has always been domestic, a trait she did not get from me. She is so wonderful about wanting to help with housework. One thing she always wants to help with is the laundry. The problem is that there are typically several steps involved in doing the laundry, and she just couldn’t remember them all because of her age. So I came up with a way to make it easier for her to help.

I simply preset everything that I could. And then I highlighted the arrow, and the starting point of each load. Hailey is the line up the highlighted marks, and then start the laundry. She has gotten quite good, and is such a blessing to me.