4 household tasks for 12 months old
You may have noticed your toddler expressing a desire to help in household chores! Even though they might not be able to successfully complete the task yet, involving them in what you are doing helps them feel valued. At this age, focus on the process and not the product. Household chores also help develop several age appropriate skills without you having to set up an additional activity and it’s easier to keep an eye on them if they are working alongside.
Tidying up 8+
After they are done playing, model how to put the toys back before taking the next one out. Once everything is out and you tell them to tidy up the room, it gets too overwhelming. Putting one thing back is much easier. You can also explain how to put shoes back on the shelf and clothes in the hanger. Make it fun by singing songs or playing music.
Laundry 10+
1. Loading and unloading the washing machine is always fun for a toddler to do right from 10 months onward. Putting the freshly washed clothes in a basket and then dragging it to the drying rack strengthens their core and upper body.
2. At around 15 months your toddler can attempt to hang the clothes to dry
3. By 24 months they will explore pegging them which develops fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
4. After 2 years they can also practice folding, sorting and putting the clothes in the right place.
5. Initially, your child will observe you but by 15 months you will see them beginning to do it themselves - focus on the attempt and not the finished product. They may not master these skills until they are 3 years!
Cleaning windows 13 months
Take a damp cloth and demonstrate how to move it up and down, side to side to clean the windows. It’s great for hand coordination and muscle strength.
Turning off the lights 8+
1. Teaching our children to conserve the limited resources we have is crucial. Modeling turning off the lights and fans when leaving the room right from 8 months is the first step.
2. By 18 months, your child will be ready to do it themselves.
3. Initially you can remind them and eventually they will be intrinsically motivated to do it without any reminders.
4. Place a stepping stool in their room so they can access hard to reach places independently. It’s available under furniture section on Curious Cub website
Watering the plants 15+
The level 8 montessori box has a small watering can, perfect for little hands. The weight is ideal for toddlers to carry even once filled with water. They can easily water plants in and around the house. This also teaches them to care for nature and other forms of life in our ecosystem.