18 Month Old Chores

As your little one year old turns into a toddler, she is changing in so many ways. She craves independence and wants to learn every inch of her world. Your toddler is like a sponge and probably watches and mimicks your every move. It’s why it’s the perfect age to introduce 18 month old chores to your little one. Teach her responsibility through play and chores and set the tone for the future.

You’re a busy mama. It can be hard to set aside the time to teach your 18 month old chores. Instead, it would be be easier to do it yourself. Your toddler will take too long and make a mess. But think of it as a fun, new activity you can do with your toddler.

Regardless of gender, teaching your 18 month old chores at this age sets the tone for future household chores, listening, and responsibility. It is also a great way to encourage various skills and independence. Plus, I’m certain she WANTS to learn. She copies everything you do already, you might as well use it as a teaching opportunity. Teaching your 18 month old chores will be fun and easier than you think!

PS – Don’t forget to download my free printable on how to Conquer Motherhood with this Morning and Night Routine. Check it out at the bottom of this post or see it HERE!

Ideas for 18 month old chores

| Laundry |

My son loves doing laundry! In fact, when he hears the water start, he comes running! If you have a top loading washer, carefully let him sit on the edge and hand him the clothes to put in. If you have a front-facing washer, you can get a stool or hold him to insert the clothes. You can also teach your toddler to take the clean clothes form the dryer and put them in a basket.

As your toddler slowly gets the hang of laundry, and sees how you fold and put it away, you can then teach him to put a folded stack in his drawers. One day, this chore will allow him to want to learn how to fold the laundry too!

**RELATED: How to Teach Independent Play

| Clean Up |

For Jackson, I initiated this chore because he liked dumping his milk and water on the floor. One day, I decided to show him how to get a towel and clean it up. He really enjoys this chore!

As your toddler gets the hang of wiping up messes, you can fill a bottle with nontoxic cleaner or water for him to use. This cleaning set is perfect for helping and learning how to clean!

| Pet Care |

If you have pets, these are great chores to teach your 18 month old. Let them put food or water in their dish. Have your toddler brush your pet’s fur or give them treats. This is a fun toddler chore because your toddler already likes your pet. Let them help take care of them too!

| Put Toys Away |

This is a great 18 month old chore for your toddler to learn! Plus, it allows you to not have to clean up all of the time! Teach your toddler to put away toys, books and other things by showing him how. Use positive reinforcement by making a funny noise or sound each time your toddler puts a toy away ion the right spot.

| Cooking |

I’ll admit that this will be the messiest and hardest 18 month old chore to teach. It is also the most fun for your toddler to learn. Be patient and know that there will be messes. As you teach your toddler to add ingredients to a recipe or stir, they will get the hang of it!

As you begin to let your little one help in the kitchen, it is helpful to have all of your ingredients out and measured. I also really recommend getting a stool like this where your toddler can safely stand while helping.

This stool is nice because it has 3 adjustable heights and has a safety bar on every side of your toddler. This wooden stool is super cute, folds up nicely and has activities on the sides for your toddler. It is the most expensive, though. This stool is affordable and safe for your toddler to help in the kitchen.

| Before you go! |

Want ideas for how to play with your one year old all day? Check out this post on Indoor Activities for One Years Olds so you can learn how to be the productive mama you know you are!