Jaimie Etkin: The Devil Wore Manolos
ParentDish Size 6: Toddler compatible chores
Those of you who have ever had a toddler "helping" you mop the floor will likely know that the results can be disastrous. I save my mop-duty for the evenings after Nolan is in bed, otherwise there are wipe outs and attempts to sample the cleaner and an unfortunate dog who doesn't wish to be mopped. There are all kinds of chores that cannot be done with a toddler in tow: dog-poop yard cleaning, loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, returning emails, and more.
But necessity dictates that I sometimes need to get work done when Nolan is around, and the following are the top 6 household chores that I can actually conduct without impending disaster.
1) Raking the yard -- I use the good rake, Nolan uses the disgruntled mini-rake I got at a yard sale for $ 1.00 two years ago. I didn't know why I bought it, now I do.
2) Loading the washing machine -- It takes much longer, but with Nolan on one hip, I can hand him clothing items to throw in the laundry before I throw in the detergent and shut the lid. A bonus: this also entails a fabulous glute-enhancing squat exercise as I retrieve each piece of clothing from the pile.
3) Folding laundry -- This used to be disastrous, but now I fold and give each folded item to him, asking him to put it on the bed for me. He is happy to have a duty and therefore doesn't mess with my piles.
4) Making the bed -- Again, this used to be a major pain in the rear, until I discovered his "niche" in the process. I hand him a pillow while I tuck in the sheets and fluff the comforter, telling him when I am ready for his crowning glory. He is so happy to hand me the pillow he doesn't realize he's missed out on hiding under the covers.
5) Sweeping the porch -- This is similar to the raking, except I don't have a mini broom. But even if Nolan messes with the dust piles, I can quickly intervene and just sweep them off into the front yard. And we're outside, bonus!
6) Cleaning the windows and glass -- I give Nolan his own little bottle filled with water and let him spritz along with me. No harm, no foul.
But necessity dictates that I sometimes need to get work done when Nolan is around, and the following are the top 6 household chores that I can actually conduct without impending disaster.
1) Raking the yard -- I use the good rake, Nolan uses the disgruntled mini-rake I got at a yard sale for $ 1.00 two years ago. I didn't know why I bought it, now I do.
2) Loading the washing machine -- It takes much longer, but with Nolan on one hip, I can hand him clothing items to throw in the laundry before I throw in the detergent and shut the lid. A bonus: this also entails a fabulous glute-enhancing squat exercise as I retrieve each piece of clothing from the pile.
3) Folding laundry -- This used to be disastrous, but now I fold and give each folded item to him, asking him to put it on the bed for me. He is happy to have a duty and therefore doesn't mess with my piles.
4) Making the bed -- Again, this used to be a major pain in the rear, until I discovered his "niche" in the process. I hand him a pillow while I tuck in the sheets and fluff the comforter, telling him when I am ready for his crowning glory. He is so happy to hand me the pillow he doesn't realize he's missed out on hiding under the covers.
5) Sweeping the porch -- This is similar to the raking, except I don't have a mini broom. But even if Nolan messes with the dust piles, I can quickly intervene and just sweep them off into the front yard. And we're outside, bonus!
6) Cleaning the windows and glass -- I give Nolan his own little bottle filled with water and let him spritz along with me. No harm, no foul.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
4-26-2007 @ 9:29AM
Ann Adams said...It's slower, but much happier when they help.
I don't know about Canada, but the $ store here often has brooms. I've always had an extra around here, just for the girls.
Reply
4-26-2007 @ 9:39AM
Bonnie said...Yes, Spencer (age 3) is a great help with laundry. For a while now he has enjoyed helping with the laundry sorting process too - whites v. colors. And, he is big enough to pick up one item at a time and toss it in the machine. I know it won't last for too much longer, but he still thinks it is great fun to help!
He also helps set the table by taking the napkins and silverware I set out and putting one on each place mat.
Reply
4-26-2007 @ 11:51AM
Susan Wagner said...Once Charlie was steady enough, I would let him stand on a little step ladder to load the washer. He STILL asks to do this (he's almost five now). He also likes to sort the clothes--when he was Nolan's age, I would hand him each piece and say "Where's the white pile? Where's the pile of colors?" and he would drop it in the right place. Now he does it on his own.
His future spouse will thank me.
Reply
4-26-2007 @ 2:45PM
LS said...When it's time to load the dryer, put all your wet stuff into a little basket for him, and let him just wing that stuff into the dryer. My son loves to "BOOM" clothes in! It's an extra step for you, but it balances out - you load the next load into the washer while he's occupied putting stuff into the dryer.
Also... put a little vinegar in with his water, and he'll REALLY be helping you wash the windows! (ok, maybe next year for that one)
Reply
4-28-2007 @ 10:01PM
Phillip G said...Now that there are size 7 pampers cruizers a blog name change might be in order? I have seen them available on amazon and other retailers. I havent seen anything aobut them here on parent dish.
Reply