Sometimes it seems impossible to get anything done with a preschooler at home. Stories, snacks and snuggling are important, but so are clean clothes and balanced meals! Fortunately for parents, your little one loves to copy what your're doing, and "being a helper" is a big complement. With some forethought and consistency, parents can nurture those impulses to keep the home running smoothly.
As Mary Poppins says, "well begun is half done." Choosing appropriate tasks helps your preschooler feel successful. Toddlers start picking up and sorting items, so simple chores are a natural extension of that play. Two-to-four-years-olds can easily learn to put toys in their box, stack books on a shelf, put trash in the bin or dirty clothes in a hamper. Other are-appropriate chores include wiping up spills,dusting low surfaces, sorting socks, or folding square items like facecloths or napkins.
Music makes any job more cheerful. Singing a special song at clean-up time helps reinforce tidying as a regular habit. Playing cheerful music for longer jobs, like folding laundry, makes the time pass quickly. Repetition and familiarity are great practice for preschool skills like matching colors and shapes, or following class routines.
Preschoolers don't think much about the future, so the promise of a reward later will not motivate them as much as giving small rewards as you go along. Kisses, tickles, or a round of applause will teach children to enjoy working alongside you, and teach them that taking care of the home is a positive part of a loving family.
HELP ME POWER UP!
