When a toddler is asked to help clean up the house, the request may immediately be followed by “That’s boring.” Work is a very real part of life and the sooner parents can teach children to enjoy the things that make up their everyday lives, the sooner they can learn to be responsible members of the family and contributing members of society. People who know how to work are generally happier people.
Start Teaching Early
Toddlers like to imitate the things that they see their parents do. Imitation is an important part of their healthy development but it is also a great tool to encourage good habits as they get older. Even the youngest children can help with small chores around the house. A toddler can help wipe down the chairs after dinner or use a small shovel to help dig up weeds in the yard. Find jobs that are developmentally appropriate and provide guidance as your child practices his new abilities.
Don’t Take Short Cuts
Sometimes it is simply easier to clean up a playroom full of toys yourself than to go through the effort of encouraging your kids to do it themselves, but you aren’t doing your toddler any favors by doing the work for him. In this fast paced world one often takes the easy way out, but the problem with getting into the habit of doing everything for one's children is that they will never learn to step up and take care of themselves. Taking some extra time while they are young will actually make your life easier down the road and your child’s future roommates and spouse will thank you.
Let Go of Perfectionism
When your children are young it is so easy to lose your patience. They work slowly. They may not clean as well as you’d like them to. But you have to remember that they are learning. Constantly correcting your toddler when he is trying to help can be discouraging and will make him less likely to want to help in the future. Make working together a fun family project so your toddler can remember that it was fun being together and doing something productive.
Learn to Enjoy Work
Work doesn’t have to be all, well work. Working together as a family can be a rewarding and fun experience for everyone with the right attitude. Whether you are working on every day chores, a large household project, or a service project in your community, you can teach your children to enjoy the process of work. Set an example of hard work and a positive attitude and your toddler will likely follow in your footsteps.
