Do you have a toddler? Are you nodding your head as you look at these pictures? Toddlers really do like to put things away and tidy up.
One way we've helped Otis not only to support his independence but to support his sense of self (he sure does like to help others) is to make putting things away really easy. I make sure he knows exactly where things go and everything has a place.
Food waste goes in the compost bucket.
Rubbish goes in the bin.
Each toy has it's place on the shelf.
Dirty clothes go in the clothes hamper.
Shoes go in the basket.
There's really more than this; clean clothes go in the basket, toothbrush goes on the tray, tea towel goes on the hook, books go in bookshelf - you get the idea.
The best thing is we are creating life long habits. These actions of putting away become instinctive, Otis automatically puts his apple core in the compost when he's finished eating. Love it!