Tips for Getting Housework Done With a Toddler
By Alissa Marquess Zorn on November 14, 2014 (updated October 24, 2016)
Can you help?! Some questions that are better answered by the collective wisdom of the Creative With Kids community rather than just me. Share what you know in the comments!
Struggling with how to get chores done with a toddler
Hi, What I’m struggle with some days (busy days) is prioritizing taking time to play/teach interactively with my toddler. I have only one, I juggle two part-time jobs, partly at home, combined with the daily chores of running a home, I feel guilty sometimes that my daughter does get enough focused, enriching me-time.
I would love to hear some ways to incorporate getting work done with a toddler, but also focusing on and enriching her life/learning at the same time.
Thanks!
~Emily
Tips for getting Work Done with a Toddler Around From Alissa:
As a working mom I really struggle to juggle it all.
- I practice including my kids in household tasks as much as possible, asking for help from outside sources and reminding myself that by working I am providing for my family and that I should feel good about that.
- I think that the main thing I would say though, is to remember how much toddlers love simple activities for connection.
- Never discount how enriching it is for your toddler to do chores with you and to be included in things like grocery shopping, putting clothes in the laundry basket, whatever. They don’t see the everyday experiences the way we do – it’s all new to them and it doesn’t have to look “educational” to be enriching.
They really want to be noticed by YOU and to be helpful or “big” in any way possible.
Related Posts:
- Tips for Toddler Play When You have Something Else To Do
- 5 Quiet Toddler Activities – Independent Play Ideas
- 8 Toddler Highchair Activities – Keeping Your Seated Toddler Happy and Engaged
- 10 Fun Chores To Do With Toddlers
Do you have tips on how to do chores with a toddler around and still keep them feeling loved and included? If you have experience or helpful ideas, please leave your comment for our community! To submit your own reader question you may email me at: [email protected]
Thanks!
~Alissa
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My daughter likes sorting and organizing things, so I’ll have her help unload the dishwasher by putting all the forks together, etc. Then we count them, or count out how many folks/spoons/napkins etc we need to set the table. She’s not really interested in laundry for some reason, but occasionally I can get her to help sort the clean clothes into groups (“Daddy’s shirts, kitchen towels, etc). Not much of a learning activity, but she also loves to go to town with a wipe. I giver her a baby wipe and tell her to clean stuff, and she will just go to town wiping everything she can reach!
Toddlers love pairing up socks and “helping” with dinner by pouring water/rice/dry noodles from one bowl to another. If you are making a list/writing bills let them “help” by giving them a piece of paper and some crayons and telling them to “write” what they need from the store.
My son loves to help and is so happy to help, me. If the task I’m doing is a “momma job”, I will give a similar activity, he can do next to me. Yes, it generally means the task will take a little a longer, but I always remind myself it’s not forever!
Let her “help” you with the chores. She will love the interaction and feel close to and connected with you.