Parenting Kindly

Raising Capable Kids Starts With Letting Them Help

Toddlers are naturally curious and eager to imitate. Whether you’re folding laundry or wiping the table, your child wants to do what you’re doing. While it might feel easier to do it yourself, this is actually the perfect opportunity to start building their confidence and independence through meaningful tasks.

Inspired by the Montessori method, encouraging toddlers to help around the house supports their sense of capability, teaches responsibility, and nurtures their desire to contribute. The key is making chores simple, fun, and toddler-friendly.

Why Montessori Encourages Chores at an Early Age

The Montessori philosophy emphasizes respect for a child’s ability to learn through real-life experiences. Involving toddlers in household routines allows them to:

• Build fine and gross motor skills
• Practice focus and follow-through
• Develop a sense of responsibility
• Feel empowered and needed

These are more than just chores — they’re essential “practical life” lessons that help toddlers grow into helpful, confident, and capable individuals.

7 Easy Montessori Chores Your Toddler Can Do Now

1. Putting Dirty Clothes in the Hamper
A simple first chore that teaches routine and responsibility. Place a laundry basket at their height and invite them to drop in their socks or pajamas after changing. You might say, “Can you put your clothes in the basket like a big helper?”

2. Wiping Spills and Surfaces
Toddlers love to clean when they have their own tools. Give them a child-sized sponge or cloth, and a spray bottle with water or diluted vinegar. Show them how to wipe a table or their own highchair tray. This helps with coordination and gives them a sense of control.

Top Pick: Montessori Cleaning Set for Kids – child-safe broom, mop, and cloths they can really use.

3. Watering Houseplants
Let your child care for a small plant of their own using a mini watering can. This builds empathy and responsibility. Show them where to pour and how much, then let them take the lead.

4. Helping with Snack Prep
Toddlers can help wash fruit, pour dry cereal, or spread nut butter on toast. Set them up with toddler-safe tools and bring them up to counter height using a Montessori Learning Tower.

Top Pick: Learning Tower Step Stool – safe, sturdy, and encourages independence in the kitchen.

5. Folding Washcloths and Matching Socks
Make laundry a game by having your toddler match socks or fold washcloths. Sit together on the floor and show them one example. They’ll love trying to do it “just like you.”

6. Feeding Pets
If you have pets, let your toddler scoop dry food into a bowl or fill the water dish with help. Keep the supplies in a reachable bin or container so they can participate consistently.

7. Sweeping Small Areas
Give your toddler a mini broom and dustpan to sweep up crumbs or small messes. Show them how to use it properly and let them explore the motion. Even if it’s not perfect, they’ll be proud of their effort.

Top Pick: Melissa & Doug Wooden Cleaning Set – a realistic, functional cleaning set designed for toddlers.

Tips for Success

• Keep tools and materials child-sized and accessible
• Avoid “pretend” versions that don’t work — toddlers want to be helpful for real
• Be patient with the process — expect messes and mistakes
• Focus on the routine, not perfection
• Offer visual cues or chore charts to make expectations clear

The Montessori Mindset: Progress Over Perfection

These tasks aren’t about completing chores perfectly. They’re about helping your child build a sense of ownership and belonging in the home. Toddlers are capable of far more than we often give them credit for — and with encouragement, they’ll rise to the challenge with pride and joy.