Today, we share 19 things your 1-2-3-year-old toddler should do every day.
For me, it was a MUST to include those 19 super easy practical life activities in our toddler’s daily schedule. Why? Above all, those practical life activities are deemed to be the most effective path to the development of self-confidence, concentration, and happiness. Besides, none of these activities involves prep work.
We plan our daily routine at home, using our monthly templates Stay-at-Home Mom & Toddler Routine Daily Schedule and Planner.
We plan the activities, our to-dos and take notes of everything important that happened during the day.
Thus, it is pretty easy, to schedule these activities and do them every day as part of our daily routine.
Social Beings
We, humans, are social beings. Most of us want to communicate with others. The bulk of us wants to participate in things. We all want to do important work. We feel the need to contribute. Unquestionably, all of us want to feel people’s respect. Many of us search for recognition. This is our nature.
All hose things are enormously important within our families.
How would you feel if you are only a passive observer of all kinds of important activities happening in your family around you every day? Imagine. You would probably desire nothing more than to participate. But you can’t. Either because you are physically not able to or you are not allowed to. Without a doubt, you wouldn’t feel great, right?
That’s probably how your toddler feels sometimes too. Therefore this desire to participate in real life is especially strong in toddlers. Consider, that your toddler has finally managed to stand up, walk, talk and use their hands. Your toddler is ready and wants to participate in the real work they have observed for so long.
Give them the chance to be part of your life and real-life activities every day. Show them respect and that you need them!
It is easy, fun and helpful to include those activities on your toddler’s daily schedule. And probably, you have some of those already on your list. And that’s great! Allow your child to participate fully in family life, they see going on around them! This way, you show every day them your confidence in them, your trust, and respect for them. And your love of course.
Your toddler will know that way that their family needs them. They start to feel that they have an impact on the world and develop a healthy self-image.
Before we get to the full list, here are some visual examples of the things your toddler should do every day.
Self-Care
Practicing self-care is a great habit, that we all needed to develop first. We cannot expect others to care more for us than we do for ourselves. We need to start learning and practicing good habits from day one – good hygiene and daily exercise routine are basic ones.
Note, that self-care is also a direct way to independence and self-confidence.
Practical Life
Happiness comes from work and pride and what you do, not from possessions or toys. So, let our children be happy and join us actively in cooking, doing groceries, cleaning. Not as silent observers, who need separate activities to keep them busy, while we do our “adult” things.
Kindness & Consideration for Others
Your child will be truly happy helping any of the daily work of his family. Sensing that you need their help is how your toddler develops not only empathy but also self-confidence. When you ask for their help actively, they feel that they are needed and that makes them happy.
And here is the full list of 19 Things your Toddler should do Every Day
Self-Care
- Washing face (with help)
- Brushing teeth (with help)
- Washing hands (with help)
- Drying hands with a towel
- Dressing up (with help)
- Putting shoes on and taking shoes off (with help)
- Dancing & Exercising.
Practical Life
8. Putting toys away (with help)
9. Doing grocery shopping and helping to unpack
10. Washing fruits & vegetables
11. Helping with preparation of food
12. Helping with setting and clearing the table
13. Washing their plates (with help) and helping to empty the dishwasher
14. Sorting, folding and putting away laundry
15. Sweeping & Vacuuming
16. Dusting
17. Watering plants
Kindness & Consideration for Others
18. Saying please and thank you
19. Helping in any daily work of the family
Benefits of 19 Things your Toddler should do Every Day
With these practical life activities, the work your child does is real, and your little one knows it. Thus, your toddler develops a healthy self-image. Additionally, your little one will feel more and more self-confident with every day that goes by. Moreover, with these activities, your toddler can learn self-control and improve their concentration.
Happy Playing and Living!
Looking for more toddler activities? Check out these ones.
Book recommendation: The Joyful Child – Montessori, Global Wisdom for Birth to Three, Susan Mayclin Stephenson