Toddler This Week: 19 Months, Week 2

Toddlers love to feel like they're making an important contribution to any activity, and chores around the house are no exception. You may find your child's help makes chores more fun for both of you — or you may find yourself dismayed by how long it takes to get anything done. To avoid frustration, save important tasks for times when your toddler is asleep or away. When he's around, let him help with small chores like putting his plastic cup and bowl into the dishwasher, or tossing wet clothes into the dryer.

As you've observed, your child has learned much by imitation and is interested in doing many of the things he sees you do — especially if the jobs seem important. He may insist on helping you wash the car, empty the dishwasher, fold laundry, and so on. His desire to help, as you know, far outweighs his ability, but the more you insist that you don't need his assistance, the more he'll demand "Me do it!" So your challenge is to find ways to let him in on the act. Toddlers don't see the difference between work and play, so you might as well encourage him to help you while he's willing.

Let your toddler toss the dirty clothes and dump the scoop of detergent into the washing machine, for instance, or give him a rag so he can clean the tires on the car (or better yet, let him hold the hose — always thrilling for a child). Show him how to put dirty spoons into the silverware basket in the dishwasher, or stow his plastic plates and cups in a low cupboard so that when you're emptying the dishwasher he can put those things away himself.

-BabyCenter.com