Bringing Chores Down to Size
By Melissa Leembruggen
 If you have ever tried to wear clothes or shoes that are too big, you can understand the awkwardness an older preschooler feels when trying to help with chores. Learning to do chores seems overwhelming to moms and their little helpers. So here is a thought; look at the chores from your child’s three foot perspective. Here are some general ideas for bringing chores down to size.
KITCHEN:
- Keep child-friendly plates and cups in the bottom drawers, cabinets or pantry shelves. Let your child be responsible for unloading those items from the dishwasher.
- Let your child unpack non-spillable/breakable groceries onto the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.
- Use teamwork by having your child hold the dustpan for you.
BATHROOM:
- Line trash cans with plastic sacks and do not let them get over-filled. Have your child collect the sacks every few days.
- Keep extra sacks in the bottom of each trash can so your child can put a new bag in right away.
LIVING AREAS:
- Give your child a disposable duster and show them how to run it along the baseboards.
- Have your child vacuum carpeted areas. Attach the hose to the vacuum so they do not have to push the whole machine around.
- Keep library items in a collapsible rolling cart so toddlers can get items out and put them away easily. And, it is easier for you to take to the library when toting kids.
LAUNDRY:
- If you have front loading machines, let your child switch the clothes and throw in a dryer sheet.
- Give kids a laundry sack so they can just drag it through the house to the machines.
BEDROOM:
- Forgo the bedspread in summer or only use a washable comforter in winter. One cover is easier to pull up and straighten when making a bed.
- Hang a bar at your child’s height in their closet for easier access to clothes.
- Keep clothes in a toy organizer with bins. They are easy to see, do not have to be folded, and the drawers never get left open.
Once you change your perspective to a toddler-sized view, you will discover lots of things your little helpers can do. | 
