Keeping a clean house is a lesson parents try to teach their children when the kids are young. My mom and dad did what they could to instill in me a respect for a clean and uncluttered area. Having a clean and organized house can make for a more peaceful and less anxious home environment.
I have a toddler who needs to learn about putting things away when she’s done with them. She is a great helper when it’s time to put things away at Gymboree. She’ll even help her friends put their things away. Yet this same two-year-old looks at me and her daddy like we have birds in our hair if we even suggest that she put her things away.
Another toddler who was in our care was very good about helping to clean up. We sang the clean-up song and put everything away each day before bed. Have we become complacent? Was she just a more compliant two-year-old?
Children need chores. Chores instill value in a job well done and illustrates to children that everyone in the family contributes to the running of the house. While I can’t wait for the day that I can give the cat box cleaning job to someone else, our toddler isn’t ready for that yet. She’s too young to load and unload the dishwasher. Plus, she’s back in her crib, so there’s no bed to make.
She is old enough to pick up toys. I know she understands the concept. I think it’s time to introduce the piggy bank and money. Any excuse to go shopping is a good excuse; I’m sure she’ll enjoy picking out a bank.
When did you start chores in your house? Did you use an allowance to motivate your kids? How long did it take for your children to get on the chore bandwagon?