19-Month-Old Toddler: Your Little Helper
Age-appropriate chores for your 19-month-old toddler. (You're going to love this.)
By
Your little helper
Oh how nice it would be to have an extra set of hands around the house—but wait, you do! Toddlers love to help with chores. And according to scientific studies, they'll also work for free: because they're naturally inclined to be helpful, they don't expect to receive a reward in return. One great place to introduce them to easy tasks is the kitchen counter, where they have more space than they would in a high chair to, say, move washed berries from a colander to a bowl. And a toddler tower makes it easier to reach. Part step stool and part ladder and part, well, cage, the sturdy perch is just the thing to help your short sous chef reach adult workstations safely and comfortably. We've put half a dozen to the test to help you decide which one (if any!) is right for you.
Did you know?
Now is a great time to introduce household responsibilities! Check out these five ideas for teaching your toddler how to assist with everything from laundry to mealtime.
This month: stop folding tiny clothes
Staying on top of a kid's clothing situation—having the right size, for the right season, in the right place—is tough enough. (We've never related more to an essay on the topic than this one.) And even Marie Kondo doesn't keep a perfectly tidy home anymore. This laundry hack is a good one if you're looking for a bit of a break→
Speaking of housekeeping...
Feeling depleted by shouldering the mental load of getting things done? Consider Emily Oster's advice before bringing it up with a partner: have a cookie first. Or skip straight to hiring some of our favorite services that make parenting easier→
Editors' picks:
Best balance bikes
Ready to skip the training wheels? Balance bikes build confidence, independence and coordination.
Toys that help development
They help with running, jumping and other important skills your little one develops in the toddler years.
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