16mo–2.2y10 minChore timeFamily timeFree play
Little Helper Jobs: Sweep, Pour, Feed
A playful set of mini household chores that lets your child practise bending, carrying, pushing, and moving safely while helping alongside an adult.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small cloth or sponge (for sweeping and wiping)
- 2 unbreakable cups or bowls
- a small jug/cup for pouring water
- a towel (for spills)
- a stuffed animal or toy (pretend pet) and a bowl (pretend feeding)
Nice to have
- a small hand broom and dustpan (if available)
- 5–8 soft items to sweep (rolled socks or scrunched paper)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneStanding while playingBody· 12mo–2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide materials that enable children to help with chores such as sweeping, pouring, digging or feeding pets.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)