Baby chores

I know what you're thinking... Baby chores? Seriously?

That's right, somewhere between 18 months and two years, my little one gets his first chore. Having a very simple chore at that age is more of a fun, learning toy than an actual chore.  I always start with the same one... sorting out the clean silverware from the dishwasher. I've started with baby number one years ago, and now, baby number 8 is just starting to take part in the family chore routine. Asher, at 16 months, is learning to help his big sister Grace sort silverware. He is so excited to do it, too!

After Grace takes out the sharp knives and oddball utensils, like spatulas and vegetable peelers, Asher sits up on the counter with the silverware holder and sorts the forks, knives, and spoons into crocks. We used to have them stand on a stool and put them into a silverware holder in the drawer. On the advice of my sister, and for accessibility from the breakfast bar, we just use crocks.

Sorting is very good for their baby brain. Sorting silverware is kind of like sorting blocks, but has more purpose :).  As he's getting used to his new chore, we give him lots of praise and "good job"'s to keep him motivated.  At that age, kids LOVE the approval and attention. If he has too many to do, we will help him out while he's still sorting, but we try not to let him just quit before all of them are done. Learning to finish a job is an important factor in training.

Asher loves to help with his new chore, and fusses and cries when we get the silverware holder out of the dishwasher if we don't put him on the counter right away so he can start sorting.

Next chore (when the fine motor skills improve)... folding kitchen towels and washcloths.