Video: 2.5-Year-Old Washing Dishes and Loading the Dishwasher
Young children love water activities. And I love it when they clean, work on motor skills while I check email. Dishwashing makes both of us very happy.
To teach your child 2-years-old-and-up how to wash dishes, set up the Learning Tower (or a tall stool) in front of the sink, open the dishwasher, making sure the top rack is clear, give a careful demonstration of how to use a sponge, how to rinse and how to place the dishes in the dishwasher – then let them go. The hardest – yet most critical – part of it is this: Don’t hover! Try not to even look at them. Don’t worry if they are making a mess or getting their clothes wet. I Facebook furiously to stop myself from constantly wanting to interfere with their work. You might even go to another room to stop yourself from hovering. This is your chance for a well-deserved break, so take advantage!