Socks in the Hamper

1. 1

   Your child enjoys copying everyday actions. Invite them into simple, real chores such as putting away trash or wiping a table.

2. 2

   When you place clothes in the hamper after undressing, your child may watch and want to copy you.

3. 3

   Leave one small sock for your child and say, “Put the sock in.” Give them time to carry or toss it to the hamper.

4. 4

   Respond to the completed action: “The sock went in. You helped with the laundry!”

5. 5

   Offer another washable item. You can also roll a pair of socks into a soft ball and take turns tossing it into the hamper like a basket.

6. 6

   Small contributions such as these can gradually become familiar parts of the family routine.

What to notice

• Puts a removed sock in the laundry hamper without being prompted Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Puts the sock in after hearing, “Put the sock in” Attending and Understanding

Tips

• Give your child a genuine part of the task instead of a pretend job. Even carrying one sock or placing one small item makes a visible contribution.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Contributing a real, manageable part of the laundry routine gives your child experience being helpful and needed at home.
• Language: Hearing a short direction with a gesture and carrying it out helps your child connect familiar object and action words with what they do.