The Same Job Each Night
What you need
- one job for them, like the spoons
- the table
How to do it
- Pick one job and make it theirs: the spoons, or the napkins.
- Give them that same job at every meal.
- Say what's happening as they do it: "spoons next."
- Add a second job only when the first is easy.
Why it matters
The same job every night means they know what's coming, and that's what turns helping into something they do without being asked.
What they're learning
- Knowing their job
- The same task each meal builds into a habit.
- Being counted on
- Their part of the meal is theirs.
- Doing it without asking
- Familiar jobs get started on their own.
What to look for
Watch for them starting their job as soon as the table talk begins.
A tip
Unbreakable plates and cups only, nothing hot, and no knives. Stay with them while they carry.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: do the job together every time
Harder: add one more job when they're ready
More like this
Browse
Everyday helper activities · Activities for 18 month olds · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with a spoon