Off to work we go – why getting your child to help at home could be great for their development

Do you have days when you feel like you’ve got to choose between cleaning, cooking and teaching your child something? You might feel like you've forgotten when you last saw the bottom of your washing basket, or be wondering what you should be making for the next meal – the good news is that getting your child involved in helping will teach them lots – and even better they will probably love it!  

Helping with tasks in your home is something your child really enjoys at this stage of development. Not just tidying their toys away, but jobs they see as important because you do them. When children carry out age-appropriate tasks alongside you they feel like a connected and valued member of the household. 

As well as the emotional well-being your child, helping at home can support your child to develop other skills, such as hand and eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills – and if you chat as you go, there will also be opportunities for developing cognitive and language skills.   

A few jobs your child might like to help with: 

• Pop a sock over your child’s hand to use as a duster, try putting some music on for them to dust or wipe surfaces along to. 
• Children really enjoy a dustpan and brush; the handbrush is easier for them to manipulate, though they will probably still want to have a go with a sweeping brush or mop. 
• Putting washing in the machine, sorting it into piles before it goes in. 
• Putting shopping away – children enjoy having a look at everything you have bought and commenting on their favourites. 

All these jobs are real things that have to be done and are great opportunities for conversations. The work may not be done perfectly, but the feelings of being connected and valued are priceless for your child.