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- Mom on the Clock #011
Mom on the Clock #011
Let Them Help: Turning Chores into Child Development
Eliana Savitsky
July 11, 2025
✨ Hey there!
If your toddler is obsessed with stealing the broom or insists on stirring everything while you cook… you’re not alone.
Kids don’t just learn by watching—they learn by doing. And their favorite teacher? You.
That’s why involving your child in daily routines isn’t just cute—it’s a developmental superpower.
Occupational therapists talk a lot about ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living).
In simple terms:
🧼 ADLs = brushing teeth, getting dressed, washing hands—basic self-care.
🍽️ IADLs = chores, meal prep, setting the table—life skills that help us function in the real world.
These aren’t just chores—they’re the foundation of our occupations as humans. Giving your child safe, supported ways to participate builds coordination, confidence, and connection. And it all starts with the basics you’re already doing.
✨ First Things First: Quick Wins for You
These tools help your kiddo play sidekick while you go about your day—building skills while bonding.
🧹 Mini Mop & Broom Set – They’ll feel like a big helper while strengthening posture, grip, and coordination.
🍳 Pretend Pots & Pans Set – Cook side-by-side with your little sous chef while encouraging imitation and motor planning.
🪥 Toothbrushing Mirror Game – Let them “mirror” you brushing, wiping, or grooming. Toddlers learn best from your reflection.
→ Any mirror works—no fancy tools required!
These aren’t just toys—they’re toddler-sized invitations into your world.
🧺 Why Your Toddler Wants to Mop the Floor
Last week I was trying to get dressed for work. I’m talking: 10 minutes before I had to be out the door, half-dressed, coffee in one hand, shirt in the other.
And my little guy? In and out of the closet, playing “pull everything out of mom’s drawers.”
So I asked him for help.
“Can you bring me that shoe?”
He lit up, grabbed it, brought it over. Then grabbed another. And another.
Suddenly, he wasn’t causing chaos—he was part of the team.
That moment reminded me: kids don’t want to just watch us live our lives. They want to be in it with us.
💪 Try These Everyday Imitation Games
🧹 Clean-Up Crew
Hand them a mini mop or rag while you tidy up.
Sing the “Clean Up Song” together.
Let them help wipe low surfaces, sort laundry, or “vacuum” with a toy.
🍳 Kitchen Sidekick
Give them a wooden spoon and an empty bowl while you cook.
Narrate your steps (“I’m stirring the eggs!”) so they copy you.
Let them help rinse fruit, tear lettuce, or pour pre-measured ingredients.
🪥 Mirror Time
Sit together with a mirror and brush your teeth slowly.
Let them watch, then copy your motions in real-time.
Works great for hair brushing, face washing, and even pretend shaving!
🧠 Why It Works
These daily routines help your child:
Build fine and gross motor skills
Strengthen coordination and planning
Develop independence and responsibility
Feel included and connected to you
And it doesn’t have to be perfect.
The goal? Let them do, not just see.
Wrapping Up for Today
Your child isn’t too young to start learning life skills.
Let them copy, pour, scrub, and stir their way into self-confidence—and into your daily routine.
They’re not just watching life happen. They’re learning how to live it.
Big high-five,
Eliana, OT & Mom
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