My First Laundry Helper

1. 1

   Before bath time, place a laundry hamper where your child can reach it easily.

2. 2

   As you begin helping your child undress, put the first item into the hamper and explain: “Dirty clothes go in the hamper.”

3. 3

   Hand the next item to your child and invite them to put it in: “Where do dirty clothes go? You can put it in!”

4. 4

   When your child does it, be specific: “That’s right—you put it in the hamper!” Your encouragement shows that you noticed and makes another try more inviting.

5. 5

   With each item you take off, let your child place it in the hamper so they can experience, “I put away all my clothes.”

6. 6

   Repeat this before each bath. Over time, putting dirty clothes in the hamper can become a natural part of the routine.

What to notice

• Puts their clothes in the laundry hamper Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Holds out an arm or leg for you while getting undressed Sense of Identity and Belonging

Tips

• At first, your child may copy the action without understanding why. That is normal. Keep inviting them to participate until putting clothes away becomes familiar.
• As the habit grows, your child may begin putting clothes in the hamper before you remind them.

Developmental benefits

• Movement: Putting clothes into the hamper by hand lets your child participate in an everyday routine, practice a healthy habit, and build early self-care skills.