Nurturing Helpfulness in Your Toddler's World
“Me help washing”, “I cook egg now” “Look it’s a mess I clean”. These are some of the sweet ways my 2 year old let’s me know he’d love to be helpful.
Research shows us that prosocial behaviour, including helping, can emerge in children as young as 18 months old. Toddlers have an innate desire to help others, which can be nurtured and developed through age-appropriate tasks and positive reinforcement. By providing a space for your child to get involved in helping with day to day life activities you’re demonstrating to them these wonderful qualities;
Kindness
Problem solving
Teamwork
Following instructions
Fine and Gross Motor skills
Confidence
Communication skills
Routine
Lifelong habits
And it's not just about the benefits to their growth it is an opportunity to build on that child parent bond. Turning chores into games, teaming up for tasks, and celebrating the achievements are just a few ways to encourage your child.
Here are some of the ways my toddler has the opportunity to nurture his helpful side. I’m often woken to my toddler saying “mummy cook now” which is code for I’d like to cook breakfast with you immediately. He loves it and it’s clearly something he, but also I look forward to each day. I give him a few options and he can chose what we make. He now knows the ingredients that go into pancakes and ‘mummy’s scrabble eggs’.
He is also a sleuth at find and having me scoop up dog mess in the backyard. He loves running around the yard saying “look I found it!” The dogs water bowls also get topped up.
My son loves to help his dad with the washing. Together they put things in and out of the washing machine and dryer. He’s also a fan of sorting each persons clothes into separate piles.
The other regular task he helps me with is initiating and “running” tummy time with my second son. He lets me know it’s tummy time now for his baby brother. He’ll choose the toys he’d like to show his brother and we both sit and chat to him.
I usually let my toddler take the lead in being helpful, if he asks to help with something I’m on board. Most of the time this starts with him observing me and wanting to participate. It really takes the pressure off me too when I need to get something done and wondering how I’ll keep him occupied.
There are other less formal ways to encourage that helpful side, such as asking them to help pick something off the floor, carrying shopping in or to play with a sibling while mum or dad are getting dinner ready.
So why not channel your toddler's boundless energy into becoming a little superhero helper? It can be a win-win situation - you get some extra help around the house, and your little one feels valued and important. Now when he and I have finished a helpful task he often exclaims “Look I did it!”.
Want to read more ways that you can nurture your child’s independence? Check out some of these links recommended by Rachel.