Helping Hands

I have very helpful 17-month-olds.  While often times this is annoying and makes a task take longer, I don't want to discourage the kids' desire to help out as I would really like them to help out with some of these tasks later.

What do Max and Susannah help out with? 

1.  Putting away the Groceries

Anyone who knows me is aware that I have certain ways I like thing done.  One of my routines is to bring the groceries in and set them in front of the island so I can sort them and put them away.  Over the last couple of weeks, the twins have been pulling items out of the bags and handing them to me.  They don't walk off and hide them which is nice, they just pull things out and put them in my hands.  They even try to lift heavy and awkward things (like boxes of diapers) which is hilarious.

As they hand me each item, I place them on top of the island to be put away

2.  Unloading the dishwasher

At first, this "help" was super annoying, but I've learned to accept it (and unload quickly).  The first thing I always take out is the basket with the knives in it (of course, I'm not a neglegent parent!).  From there, Susannah will hand me the lighter things like the toddler plates and spoons.  (She's handing me the top of my water bottle above.) 

Max, of course, is less intersted in helping unload the dishwasher and more interested in the fact that there are wheels.  He will push the rack back and forth to the point that it becomes irritating to get anything out of it.  He also enjoys pushing the door up.  We always finish by pushing the door up and saying "DONE!".  It goes something like this:

3.  The laundry

Both kids will throw laundry in the washing machine if I pick them.  They mainly help with the dryer.

The heavier laundry is more difficult to put in the dryer, but if I place items on the door, they will place the lighter things (like the wash cloths above) in the dryer. 

Although I could often get things done quicker without help, I love the fact that the twins are interested.  I want to encourage their help and involvement in the future, so I allow their help for now and even thank them for it.  Bonus:  If they are helping me, I know they aren't up to any mischief while I get the business of the house taken care of.