66 - Young Kids (Toddler to Preschool) and Chores, Life Skills and Teaching Independence

 How much can a 2-, 3- or 4-year-old do?  What can they do?  They’re so little, right?  A toddler?  A preschooler?  What’s reasonable?  What’s not?   Are you doing too much as a parent?  

 All good questions for sure that most of us struggle with!  In this podcast we explore what’s reasonable to encourage and train young kids to do from chores to life skills that will build self-confidence and independence. 

Here's the list of ideas we cover: 
 Personal accomplishments:

• Feed themselves
• Pack backpack
• Make bed
• Pick out clothes
• Put clothes in hamper
• Wash their own hands by themselves

Family Contributions

• Setting the table
• Clearing dishes
• Vacuuming
• Dusting
• Fold socks
• Load laundry and start machine
• Unload/put away dishes
• Wash windows
• Take care of pets
• Simple cooking tasks

Outdoor tasks

• Pull weeds
• Rake leaves
• Water plants

Personal Growth

• Learn how to have Solo Play Time
• Have "Reading Time" on their own
• Learn to ride a Balance Bike

Be Assistant to Mom or Dad - these are done with JOY and with Mom or Dad, not alone

• Help make a meal
• Pick up dog poop or clean litter box
• Help take out the trash
• Garden - sweep, dig, plant
• Clean - bathroom, mop floor

Email me at mary@parentingdecoded.com or go to my website at www.parentingdecoded.com.

Have a blessed rest of your day!