Becoming a Little Helper
Here's What To Do
1
Let me "help" you with simple chores that are fun.
2
Some age-appropriate chore ideas for me:
- Dusting with a cloth or sweeping with a toy broom
- Pulling weeds, raking, or picking up sticks
- Sorting laundry or putting it away
- Bringing you items from another room
- Putting groceries away
- Watering plants
- Putting toys away
3
If I show an interest, try to let me "help" even if it will take longer for us to complete the chore together.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Take a deep breath together.
E
Engage:
- Be specific when you give me a chore. Like: "Put your blocks into the box" instead of "Can you clean up?"
- Show me what to do by doing a similar chore right next to me.
E
Encourage:
- My "help" won't always be that helpful, but remember that I'm learning how to do chores and have a helpful attitude. The inconvenience now will be worth it later on.
- Praise my efforts (even if I didn't really help that much). Like: "Thank you so much for wiping the table dry. You're such a helper!"
R
Reflect:
- How do I react when you praise me for being helpful?
Not quite ready?
Ask me to help with one simple tidying task like putting clothes in the hamper or putting trash in the trash can.
Ready for more?
Encourage me to put common things away every day (like: shoes, coat, favorite toys). Over time, see if I begin to put them away on my own.
As your child masters this skill...
They will know the basics of caring for their space and things and feel proud to be a helper.