19 - 21 Months

What kind of chores are right for my child?

In Montessori, the Sensitive Period for Order generally starts at about 1 year old and lasts until age 4. During this time, your child will likely show an inclination towards activities like arranging blocks, making piles of sand, and putting objects into containers. Order also refers to boundaries; toddlers crave routines and structure as they begin to make sense of the world and what role they play in it.

Surprising though it may sound, children as young as 18 months—perhaps even younger, depending on the child—can start taking on regular household responsibilities. The kinds of household tasks your child can do successfully at this stage are simple and straightforward, like wiping up spills or setting the table, and will require modeling and patience from you.

It may be awhile before your child is able to consistently contribute to the housework, but teaching them now can help set the expectation that everyone in the family does their part.

Here are some household contributions that are just right for your toddler:

Setting the table

As soon as your child can walk and reach the dinner table, they can start trying some basic table-setting tasks. For example, you can start by putting them in charge of napkins. Make sure they have easy access to the napkins, and consider keeping exactly as many as you’ll need for one meal in the container or drawer.

When you’re getting ready for dinner, tell your child “okay, time to set the table! Can you get napkins for the family?” At first, they may just put the napkins in a pile on the table. Later, you can show them where to place the napkins on a placemat with a guide, and as they grow, they can start counting to make sure they have everyone covered.

Cleaning

Toddlers love wiping up (small) spills. At around 18 months, your child can already start pouring their own beverages, though there will be a lot of missed cups 🙃 Provide your toddler with a small washcloth and show them how to slowly wipe down the liquid. They can also be in charge of wiping up little spills in other places, including the bathroom sink and around the bathtub or shower.

Toddlers also love sweeping, and if you give them a small hand-held broom and dustpan, they can join you when it’s time to clean up. Don’t expect a meticulous cleanup job, but you can show them the basics: make a little pile, then scoop it up and throw it in the trash. If you frame sweeping as an expectation, you may have an easier time turning it into a routine.

Energy saving

Flicking a light switch on and off is enticing to your toddler. Consider giving them access to a light switch in the bathroom if they are potty training. A small stool can help them reach, and a short mantra can help them remember: “I turn the light on when I come in, and I turn it off when I leave.”

Putting things away

Young child putting a pair of folded jeans into a basket

Carrying and transporting are already favorite toddler pastimes. By 24 months, many toddlers have the motor coordination (as well as the interest) to put items where they belong. To set your toddler up for success, keep a designated place for them to return certain items—a basket for blocks, another for stuffed animals, and a rack for books. If you can, have each container hold one type of item only, and make it large enough so it’s not overflowing when your child has filled it up.

Helping with laundry

Laundry is an ideal time to enlist your toddler’s help, whether to open and close doors or pour liquid detergent into the right spot. Your child can even learn simple folding, starting at around 2 ½, with washcloths, napkins, and other small squares and rectangles. Montessori folding cloths have dotted lines that show where the folds go, or you can make your own with a dry-erase marker.

Read this post for more ideas on getting your toddler involved with laundry.

Author

Team Lovevery

Visit site

Posted in: 19 - 21 Months, 22 - 24 Months, 25 - 27 Months, 28 - 30 Months, 31 - 33 Months, 34 - 36 Months, Containment Play, Montessori, Independence, Child Development

Keep reading

25 - 27 Months

28 - 30 Months

31 - 33 Months

34 - 36 Months

Preparing your child (and yourself!) for preschool

The transition to preschool can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking for both you and your child. Here's how to support them before their first day.

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

25 - 27 Months

28 - 30 Months

31 - 33 Months

34 - 36 Months

What kind of chores are right for my child?

Children as young as 18 months can start taking on regular household responsibilities. These will be simple and straightforward, like wiping up spills or helping set the table, and will require modeling and patience from you.

34 - 36 Months

How to Montessori your bathroom, by @our.montessori.journey

Some small tweaks to your bathroom can help set up your toddler for success, with toileting, handwashing, bathtime, and more.

28 - 30 Months

Here’s how your 2-year-old can keep playing with their baby and 1-year-old playthings

Lovevery Playthings take on new meaning as your child grows. Reintroduce a beloved toy from a past Kit, and your two-year-old will find new ways to play.

31 - 33 Months

34 - 36 Months

Indoor STEM activities for your budding scientist

Young children have a natural interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Here are 6 ways to bring STEM into your home.

0 - 12 Weeks

3 - 4 Months

5 - 6 Months

7 - 8 Months

9 - 10 Months

11 - 12 Months

13 - 15 Months

16 - 18 Months

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

25 - 27 Months

28 - 30 Months

31 - 33 Months

34 - 36 Months

Why wooden toys make the best playthings

Wooden toys are a staple of Montessori learning. They're durable, beautiful, and inspire wonder for a child's budding imagination.

31 - 33 Months

8 strategies to help your toddler (and yourself) move on from a tantrum

The root cause of a tantrum is often your child wanting independence but not being quite ready for it. Here's how to handle one when it comes up.

34 - 36 Months

RIE, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, & more—making sense of the methods, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph

We compiled this guide to different early childhood philosophies to help you make informed decisions about childcare.

13 - 15 Months

16 - 18 Months

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Updated Lovevery Play Kits featuring larger, more complex developmental Playthings—plus, a new subscriber-only shop

After play studies, weeks of in-home testing, and thousands of customer surveys, we are excited to announce our updated Play Kits for one-year-olds.

Toddler standing on a stool to get to the kitchen counter

31 - 33 Months

How to Montessori your kitchen, by @BringingUpBabe

The idea of setting up a toddler-friendly Montessori kitchen might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Go at your own pace with these simple tips.

Man holding a toddler while they're hugging his neck

25 - 27 Months

28 - 30 Months

31 - 33 Months

34 - 36 Months

How to help your toddler cope with anxiety about COVID-19

If your toddler is showing signs of anxiety like sleep issues and moodiness, try talking to them, creating calming routines, and these other tips to help.

Young child in their Montessori inspired bedroom

28 - 30 Months

How to Montessori your two-year-old’s bedroom, by @howwemontessori

The Montessori floor bed may be the first thing that comes to mind when you visualize a Montessori bedroom, but there’s a lot more to it than just the bed.

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

25 - 27 Months

Research shows that your two-year-old may already be noticing race

Discussing issues of race and racism with young children may seem overwhelming, but there are many ways to engage in these discussions.

A wooden shelf filled with toys by Lovevery

31 - 33 Months

How to Montessori a child’s play space, by Montessori Madre

With less clutter and more intention, your child's play space can be inviting and beautiful.

Toddler playing with pom poms and popsicle sticks on paper

31 - 33 Months

Let’s get gluing—DIY activities with developmental benefits that stick

Using glue to stick items together may not sound like cognitive development, but it is. Try these activities with your toddler to practice.

Jessica Rolph, Co-founder and CEO of Lovevery, showing animal figurines

19 - 21 Months

Month 21: Introducing the Montessori Animal Match game to your toddler

Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph and Montessori Expert Jody Malterre demonstrate how the Montessori Animal Match game helps toddlers link 2D images with 3D figurines.

Young child sitting on their floor bed about to stand up.

34 - 36 Months

Is your child ready for a “big kid bed?”

Ultimately the decision is up to you, but here are some ways to notice and support your child's readiness to transition a crib to a bed.

Toddler and woman sitting outside playing the matching game

31 - 33 Months

7 games to help your child master matching

Somewhere around 30 months, your child may be able to match identical or similar pictures of objects. Practice matching with these activity ideas.

Young child using a cup to scoop up colorful pom poms

31 - 33 Months

These 4 DIYs prove pom poms are magic

Pom poms are a fun way to help develop fine motor skills and dexterity, and a great addition to sensory play. Try these quick and easy activities with your child.

Toddler smiling with flour on their face

34 - 36 Months

Now we are 3: Here’s what to look forward to

Three years old comes with new social-emotional and logic skills, language, independence, curiosity, and a sense of right and wrong. Learn more in our post.

Young child eating vegetables while sitting at a table

28 - 30 Months

How to handle picky eating—tips and advice from Happy Family

At two, it seems to happen all of a sudden: your baby is a champ eater then picky eating begins. Our friends at Happy Family have tips to help you handle It.

Toddler painting on a white piece of paper

25 - 27 Months

DIY spice paints, nature soup, and more ways to explore smell

Many sensory activities focus on texture, temperature and other tactile properties. Try these ways to incorporate smell into your two-year-old’s sensory play.

Young child wearing a hooded sweater by the front door

34 - 36 Months

More tips to help children learn to get dressed

For your child, each step of getting dressed is a new skill to learn. Here’s how you can teach your child how to put on pants, shirts, dresses, and coats.

Young child sitting with a man writing things down on paper

31 - 33 Months

A simple way to teach your child gratitude

A study conducted at UNC Chapel Hill concluded that gratitude has four separate parts. Learn them all and how to help your child put them in practice.

Young child playing with the Drop and Match Dot Catcher by Lovevery

25 - 27 Months

How long should my two-year-old be able to focus?

Supporting your child’s ability to focus and concentrate helps them get deeper into play and lays a foundation for the mental stamina they’ll need later on.

Young child and man holding hands while walking outside

25 - 27 Months

Try a sound walk (and these 5 other activities) to boost your child’s language skills

Your two-year-old is likely starting to demonstrate more awareness of environmental sounds. Here's how you can help them tune into sound.

Stack of books and resources to show children the beauty in differences

28 - 30 Months

Let’s build a list of books & resources to show your child the beauty in difference

When children only hear stories of people that look like them, they're more prone to stereotypes. Sharing diverse stories helps them see beauty in difference.

25 - 27 Months

How to Montessori your entryway, by Sarah Adams—The Prepared Environment

Your entryway is usually busy, so it's a great place to create a prepared environment. Learn how to do this so your child knows where to find what they need.

Young child holding wooden figurines and looking at a woman

25 - 27 Months

5 things that are happening with your child’s language development right now

A lot of exciting language development happens between your child's second and third birthdays. Here's what you can expect now in terms of language development.

Toddler sitting in a woman's lap looking at two canisters filled with wooden popsicle sticks

25 - 27 Months

Obsessed with color-matching right now? Try these activities

Here are some ways to practice color-matching, using The Lovevery Drop and Match Dot Catcher and household craft supplies.

Young child putting on a sweater with help from a woman

28 - 30 Months

Should my child be able to get dressed on their own yet?

Between 28 and 32 months, children often have enough strength and coordination to pull on clothes. Here's how you can support them.

Two young children outside playing with bubbles

34 - 36 Months

Do this quick prep for a peaceful playdate

Playdates are a great time to develop social skills like building friendships and taking turns. Here's how to support your child before and during a playdate.

Toddler pushing a toy car on a black road on carpet

31 - 33 Months

These gross motor activities make a rainy day pass fast

When you can't get to the park, these activities involve minimal materials and prep, and support large body movements to help your child get their energy out.

Toddler sitting outside playing with rocks and toy trucks

34 - 36 Months

When children start to make sense of gender

The average age children begin to identify as a boy or girl is between 26 and 33 months old. Here are ways to support gender identity development.

Young child pretend pouring from a pitcher to a little cup

34 - 36 Months

6 ideas for dramatic play

As children approach age 3, they engage more in symbolic play: using objects to stand in for others. Here are 6 ideas for dramatic play with your two-year-old.

Young child smiling at a woman as they look through cards of shapes and colors

28 - 30 Months

This classic activity lays the foundation for math skills

Support your two-year-old's emerging sorting skills, using the Lovevery Reach for the Stars Matching Cards.

Family sitting at a table eating breakfast and the young child is telling a man a secret

31 - 33 Months

How to cope when your child favors one parent over another

In a two-parent home, almost every child will favor one parent over the other at some point. Here's how to handle it when it happens in your family.

Toddler sitting on a woman's lap looking at a book together

31 - 33 Months

Yes, 2-year-olds are capable of empathy—here’s how to encourage the essential skill

A critical piece of teaching kindness is empathy. Here are some ways to help your two-year-old understand, share, and connect with someone else's feelings.

31 - 33 Months

This is how we put on our shoes and socks

The fine-motor skills involved in putting on (and taking off) shoes and socks are complex. Here's how to help your child learn to put on their shoes and socks.

Young child looking at Lovevery cards on the floor with a woman

31 - 33 Months

When do children learn to tell time?

Routines, sequences, and using time-related words all lay the groundwork for your child’s developing understanding of time.

Young child with paint on their feet walking on paper

28 - 30 Months

4 fun sensory activities that build neural pathways

Sensory activities engage the body and mind in a way that builds critical neural pathways. Here are some sensory activities with varying levels of messiness.

Woman looking at a toddler holding her hands

28 - 30 Months

How to help your two-year-old overcome new feelings of fear

Between the ages of 24 and 30 months, many children can suddenly start to develop more pronounced fears. Here's how to respond.

Two children taking turns playing with the Twist and Pivot Pattern Puzzle by Lovevery

28 - 30 Months

Is your toddler ready to take turns and share?

When we talk about sharing with two-year-olds, what we’re really talking about is turn-taking. Here are some tips for helping your child learn to take turns.

Two young children playing and stacking blocks from the Block Set by Lovevery

25 - 27 Months

4 games that will help your child take turns

Taking turns comes before sharing, and your child is ready to practice that now with some adult guidance.

Toddler sitting on a woman's lap looking at a book

25 - 27 Months

How to pre-wire your child’s brain for reading

As early as 2, your child is starting to understand how books work. Here are some strategies to encourage your budding reader by encouraging "print motivation."

28 - 30 Months

Why fewer choices help your child establish independence

Psychologists recommend giving your child only 2 choices at a time when they want to make decisions. Here are some everyday decision-making activities for kids.

Jessica Rolph, Co-founder and CEO of Lovevery, and her daughter reading the book C is for Consent together

25 - 27 Months

Why it’s okay to not force that hug, by Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph

Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph discusses how empowering children to choose how they show affection can help them establish healthy boundaries later on.

Woman on a laptop holding hands with a toddler

28 - 30 Months

A minimalist approach to independent play

Independent play is beneficial to your toddler's development, but they need your help to build this skill.

Toddler and woman looking at each other in a mirror

25 - 27 Months

The surprising learning power of a mirror

Mirror play builds self-awareness, empathy, and social-emotional learning. Here are 4 ways to teach your child using their reflection and yours.

Toddler sitting in a cardboard box reading on a blanket

34 - 36 Months

This everyday item is a powerhouse for pretend play

Cardboard is inexpensive, plentiful, and just right for a two-year-old getting into new kinds of pretend play. Here are 4 cardboard activities for your two-year-old.

Toddler playing outside and washing an animal figurine that was in dirt

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Dirty vs clean: a quick lesson in contrast

Your toddler’s brain loves to grapple with opposites. A great way to involve your toddler in learning about opposites is by exploring the idea of dirty vs clean

34 - 36 Months

Welcome to The Free Spirit Play Kit for months 34-36

Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Free Spirit Play Kit for months 34 to 36 of your toddler's life.

31 - 33 Months

Welcome to The Investigator Play Kit for months 31-33

Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Investigator Play Kit for months 31 to 33 of your toddler's life.

28 - 30 Months

Welcome to The Enthusiast Play Kit for months 28-30

Watch Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph introduce the Enthusiast Play Kit for months 28 to 30 of your toddler's life.

25 - 27 Months

Welcome to The Helper Play Kit for months 25-27

Join Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph as she explains The Helper Play Kit for months 25 to 27 of your toddler's life.

Young child being passed two folded towels

28 - 30 Months

Why laundry time is learning time

Keeping toddlers engaged while doing chores can be a challenge. Here are some fun and fresh ways you can get your toddler involved with laundry.

Young child and woman looking at cards with black dots on them

28 - 30 Months

Two-year-old-friendly math activities in everyday life

Your toddler already understands the basics of advanced mathematical concepts. Here are some ways to bring math into everyday life with your toddler.

31 - 33 Months

Chalk play: obstacle course

A fun way to keep your child moving with challenging obstacles using just chalk.

Toddler in a car seat pointing out the car window

34 - 36 Months

Are we there yet? 10 no-materials games for car rides

Traveling with children can be challenging. Here are some ideas for the car that require no materials or tech and can be played by both driver and passengers.

Toddler running to a woman outside while she holds a green card

28 - 30 Months

Simple games that bring out surprising skills

Introducing a game of stop and go can help your 2-year-old learn body control. Build on the skills as they master them in these fun new ways.

Young child whispering in another child's ear

34 - 36 Months

Two-year-old “Telephone”

Two-year-olds are learning how to control their voices. This game lets them practice and gets the whole family involved.

How to set up an obstacle course Hero Lovevery_9.2651316. Sedric_VS_R1

31 - 33 Months

How to set up an obstacle course for your two-year-old

An obstacle course, indoors or out, is a great way for your child to develop gross motor skills like walking on tiptoes and jumping with both feet.

Young child wearing glasses decorated with pipe cleaners

31 - 33 Months

Bedazzle your sunglasses (and other accessories)

If you have a pair of kid sunglasses and some pipe cleaners, you have all you need for a DIY bedazzling project—and you can make the sunglasses from scratch if need be.

Toddler using the Lovevery flashlight against a wall

25 - 27 Months

Flashlight scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt with a flashlight is a great way to look for fun, friendly, familiar items with a beam of light. It works great, even for kids who are afraid of the dark.

34 - 36 Months

Make a gift out of anything 🎁

Unwrapping something can help give your child a feeling of accomplishment, joy, and satisfaction—and it’s really fun. Here are a few ways to make "found object" gifting as fun as possible.

Young child pushing a toy car on a DIY track

34 - 36 Months

Roads and tape playscape

Your child may be into pretend play these days. Setting up a roadmap with tape and little cars gives them a landscape on which to create a whole world of pretend play.

Young child painting a sidewalk with water

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Mess-Free water painting

This water painting activity boosts gross and fine motor skills and is incredibly simple. All you need are paint brushes and a bucket of water.

Toddler screwing on a pouch top attached to cardboard

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Cap twist-off board

Twisting caps to loosen and tighten them takes concentration and coordination, and can be done over and over again. This activity reuses disposable baby food pouches to allow your child to practice.

Toddler putting pipe cleaners through a whiffle ball

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Pipe cleaners and Wiffle Balls

"Posting” is a term used to describe fitting objects into an opening of corresponding size. In this activity, colorful, bendable pipe cleaners fit into Wiffle balls for all kinds of posting fun.

Toddler putting a popsicle stick into a container

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Velcro dot craft sticks

This DIY craft activity has can be taken on car trips and stored easily for future use—and it supports multiple developmental skills as well.

Toddler putting a ball and toy car through a DIY tunnel

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Pop-up paper tunnels

In this activity, your child will push toy cars, trains, planes, and other small vehicles through DIY tunnels, creating a world of pretend play to get lost in.

Green balloon on a blue paper plate with a wooden stick attached

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

DIY Balloon Tennis

This simple DIY is a great source of entertainment and helps develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. All it takes is a paper plate, popsicle sticks, and a balloon.

19 - 21 Months

22 - 24 Months

Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

Some of the best craft materials can be found in the recycling bin. Here are 3 crafts you can do with your toddler using toilet paper rolls.

31 - 33 Months

Kids whine because… it works

Studies have shown adults are hardwired to react to whining more than any other sound a child makes. What does the whining mean and how should you respond?