I wished none of my kids would help me do some of the chores around the farm; I've got everything covered! Said no parent ever!

I think it is safe to say that as a parent, we all feel that any help is appreciated and goes a long way! Even if it is just one small task like filling up water troughs. 

Have you been wondering if it’s a good idea to involve your toddler in chores around the farm and how to introduce it to them? Continue reading for my thoughts and why chores are an excellent way to set a great foundation for their development and future work ethics. Along with some helpful tips and fun chore ideas.

WHY ARE FARM CHORES FOR KIDS IMPORTANT?

For toddlers age 0-3, like my little Ava, the world is new to them and waiting to be explored. During these years, they absorb everything like a sponge. They are watching our every move with great interest and admiration.

This is the ideal time to let them join or follow you in your garden or around the farm to watch you do daily chores and join in when they can.  

Strong foundations are set when learning from a young age that time spent working on the farm and doing essential tasks is part of everyday life. It will build good character, good habits, create a base for solid work ethics, and instill a sense of responsibility. 

And what better way than hands-on learning to establish these strong foundations from an early age. Letting your toddler help with some basic farm chores, albeit a little frustrating and time-consuming, is a great start and also a fun way to spend quality time together!

Farm chores and spending time outside, instead of being indoors all day, is also a great way to get your child moving! Being less sedentary and more active will ultimately lead to more healthy habits and a healthier, happier body and mind.

TIPS TO GET YOUR TODDLER INVOLVED IN FARM CHORES

🌿It takes twice as long to get things done with little ones. When it comes to homesteading and chores, I try to do the following. I will have one day a week where Jared or my mom is watching Ava, and I have some time to do homestead chores by myself. This allows me to really clean out some areas, reorganize things, clean up animal poop, or attend to the animal vet and health needs, etc.

If I can have that uninterrupted, undivided time once a week to do all the more intensive chores, I can get a lot done. This then allows me to do my daily tasks with Ava and not worry if something is not just right or taking longer. 

🌿Patience is always key! Ava is 2 1/2, and at her age, I'll allow her to feed the outdoor cats daily and fill the chicken/flock's water. Does she do it 100% right? Nope. She spills and makes a mess, but I try to allow her time and give her pride in doing her own chores. I'll just fix it later!

🌿Let your toddler feel included and valued. Small actions like carrying a lightweight bucket or some of the animals' food, are ideas on how they can " help" and feel like they are contributing. A little motivation and praise go a long way and will encourage future willingness to help.

🌿While carrying out chores, make it a fun learning experience. Explain each animal's needs and why they need care. Or why you need to regularly clean up poop and how it can benefit the garden and bees, etc. Knowing the reason for and outcome of their "hard work," they will comprehend their actions and pick up on what needs to be done. 

🌿Always consider safety, be vigilant, and respect any reservations your child may have. If there's an animal that is rowdy or is prone to being unsafe, don't take the child into that area without supervision or even at all. Also, if a child is cautious about a particular animal, allow them to first get comfortable, as a lack of confidence around farm animals could lead to injuries.

🌿Let them have fun! Ava loves to throw hay around, get dirty, or do something silly like pouring chicken feed over her head! It's all part of the fun and learning experience. I want her to know that doing chores does not have to be boring or a punishment. We will reap the rewards when we do chores, especially concerning things we love and care for. 

🌿Lastly, have a good pair of boots or outdoor shoes ready by the door, so you can just run out and quickly do something. Most days, we go out with our pajamas still on, and that's okay, it's all part of the fun! You never know when the urge to do something productive might strike you!

FARM GIRL AVA ROSE ALWAYS READY TO HELP

FARM CHORE IDEAS

Chores will vary with age, experience, and the comfort level of both you and your toddler. Children may be the same age, but their capabilities or confidence may differ, and that's totally okay! Continually assess the situation and use your own judgment, friend.

For children aged 5 and under, the following chores could be a good start:

• Help to collect eggs

• Fill up water bowls and troughs

• Put out feed for barn cats and your flock

• Feed some treats like carrots to the donkeys or watermelon for the chickens (perhaps through a fence and supervised)

• Groom and brush small animals (when supervised)

• "Help" sweeping barn floors with a cute mini broom (it's the idea that counts, lol!)

• Pick up leaves and rocks from the garden beds

• Help with the harvesting of fruit and veggies

• Watering the garden

It won’t always be easy and smooth sailing. You can expect a few tantrums and resistance! But creating this good habit of helping and developing a sense of responsibility from an early age, will surely pay off in the long run. Just be patient, be kind and accept that your toddler is trying their best (and still a child).

I hope you and your family get to have some great fun doing farm chores. If you are looking for ideas on how they can help in the garden, this blog post will be very helpful!

GARDENING WITH KIDS; TIPS, ACTIVITIES AND ALL THE BENEFITS IT BRINGS

Love, Annette xx

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