5 of the Best Toys for Children Who Like to Help out at Home

While we, as adults, don't usually enjoy folding laundry, mopping, or setting the table, this is something that most young children LOVE to help with.

These activities are meaningful to children because they see them so frequently, being done by the people most important to them.

And while it might slow you down to have your child help, or you might even have to re-do the task later, it's so valuable to encourage their interest and participation.

Practical Life exercises are a great way to develop confidence and self-esteem as your child learns to do things for themselves and contribute to their home environment ("I am helping my parents and that feels good!").

They're also an opportunity to learn to collaborate and develop social skills, especially with activities in the kitchen like food preparation, baking, etc.

5 of the Best Toys for Children Who Like to Help out at Home

We do sell some wonderful practical life materials BUT know that you don't need to buy any of them to encourage your child's help.

You can make many simple adaptations to items you already have at home:

• Cut sponges in half or cut up dish clothes to make them child-sized
• Remove one of the poles from a Swiffer handle to shorten it
• Use a round cheese knife as a spreader in meal prep

There's lots of DIY options on the internet for Montessori materials so don't feel like you need to buy everything!

If you are looking for a gift, these are 5 great options:

1. Clean 'N' Play Sweeping and Mopping Set - this set includes child-sized cleaning tools that children as young as 2 years of age can manage independently.  Although this is a "play set", the cleaning tools can be used the way adult-sized tools are.

2. Children's Garden Tool Set (Rake, Hoe, Shovel, and Gloves) - this set is perfect for children who like to help out in the yard and garden. These tools are also child-sized.

3. Splash-n-Scrub Sink (Real Running Water) - This play sink can be used just like a real sink.  It comes with a ton of accessories which are great for pretend play, but you could also invite the child to use it to wash some of their own dishes.  This is a great way of bringing dish washing down to the child’s level, since the sink can be set up anywhere you’re comfortable with a few spills. 

4. The Chefclub Kids Cooking Utensils - This colourful set of cooking utensils are just like the adult versions but child-sized. It includes a whisk, spatula, baking spatula, basting brush and a mixing spoon. This is a great set for children who like help out with baking.

You can also check out these adorable cookie cutters, which would make a perfect pair with this set: Chefclub Cookie Cutters

5. Learning Tower - Although not a toy, the Learning Tower had to be on this list. The Learning Tower provides children with a sturdy and safe place to stand while observing or working in the kitchen.  The child can have full use of their hands and move comfortably while being at counter height, able to fully participate in activities taking place in the kitchen.  A ‘must have’ for children who enjoy spending time in the kitchen with their family. 

If you’re interested in purchasing more child-sized tools, we also have a Children’s Kitchen Bundle and Children’s Cleaning Bundle available.