One thing I love about my little kids is that they still think chores are fun. Unfortunately, there are many chores that they would love to do, but they are just too little. It doesn’t help that I have two really capable older kids that can do any chore in the house as well as an adult. I haven’t had to think of ways to make chores doable for my little ones.
Well a few weeks ago, when my older two were on vacation with their grandparents, I realized I needed to figure out a way to get my younger kids doing more around the house. Here are some of the chore helpers we are trying with our little ones:
A lightweight cordless vacuum. (Eureka Cordless Quick-Up)
I bought this one at Target for about $40. I am sure I could have shopped around and found a better deal, but I don’t have time for that right now. This one really does a great job on the carpet, and a decent job on the tile. The fact that it is cordless means my kids don’t vacuum over the cord 100 times during the job. It is light enough for my four year old to use.
Disinfecting wipes-
Use your own judgment on whether or not your kids are mature enough to use these types of wipes. I love them because they keep my kids from spraying the cleaner everywhere and using the entire bottle of cleaner to wipe the counter.
Dusting cloths-
Once again, you don’t have to purchase this particular brand, any cloth with some cling to it will work. These keep my kids from spraying the entire bottle of dusting spray on the bookcases.
Rolling bins-
My little kids don’t always know where everything belongs, but they can go from room to room finding stray toys and put them in the bin. I like the bins with wheels, but any container will do.
There are some of the items we use to help our little one’s learn how to do chores. What are some of your ideas to help your little ones help out around the house?
For more WFMW stop by Shannon’s blog.
Cindy says
I like the cordless vacuum…I’m going to check it out. My 4yo son is very interested in vacuuming, and this would be a great way to put him to work (and have the floors cleaned more often than they are now!)
What is the brand?
Kelsey says
Oh great idea! d has a play vacuum and loves it maybe I will get him a real one.
Wani says
What great ideas! I’m always looking for new ways to get my 3yr old to help out. Thanks for sharing! Come on by Wani’s World sometime!
Lawanda says
Yep. My kids loved to help until they became capable of actually doing the work! LOL They do help now, but only because I won’t let them swim in the pool or get on the computer til the house is to my liking 😉
Ames says
The rolling bins are genius! I need some for myself. The way we used to do dusting is we’d use an old sock and you’d stick your hand in it and my mom would spray both sides with dusting spray and set you loose. No spray for the kids 🙂
Breanne Vasquez says
That is nice. I am goign to start working on that with Isabel. Right now everytime i Vacumm she uses her liitle fake one. Good ideas!!
Cindy says
I LOVE the idea of a rolling cart for “clutter control!” I’ve heard laundry baskets suggested, but rolling carts are so much more FUN–and easier for the little ones to take from place to place.
Thanks for sharing!
Kari says
Love the rolling bin idea. Something I think I need for sure!
World's Greaetest Mommy says
We use a lightweight vacuum and the disinfecting wipes too. it makes a world of difference in what the kids are able to do by themselves.
Great tips.
cyn says
I like the rolling cart idea. I have tried a basket of sort but I think the rolling cart woudl be more appealing to my kiddos.
lylah ledner says
fantastic idea….i’m working on some teaching kids post ideas and i’ll use this and link back to you.
here’s some of mine:http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/04/keeping-kids-busy-while-watching-tv.html
http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/teaching-little-one-about-sanctuary.html
http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2007/12/teaching-kids-to-work.html
blessings….
Chrissy Anderson says
Great ideas! My 3 yr. old loves to vacuum, but It never occurred to me to get him a vac his size. I love the idea of little little people helping.