Mommy’s Little Helper Chore Frame and Mini Bucket

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. Chore frame, mini bucket, and crazy stories are mine alone. #InstaClean

Two years ago, my daughter walked in on me cleaning the bathroom. She said, “Mom- what’s that stuff you put in the toilet? It’s awesome! I can’t wait until I’m big enough to clean!” Ah, time has granted your wish, little one, and I couldn’t be more excited to have mommy’s little helper giving me a hand with house chores. I don’t have her cleaning toilets quite yet, but I’m definitely putting her enthusiasm to good use. As part of the family, helping with household chores can offer a sense of responsibility and make the child feel like a part of taking care of their home. In addition to personal room duties (like making their bed and feeding the fish), there are always things that kids can do around the house. A fun Chore Frame craft and a Mini Bucket can help reiterate household responsibilities for children, which is exactly what we are making today!

I have this bucket where I keep my cleaning supplies. I lock the bucket up in the bathroom when not in use, but it serves as a caddy for me when cleaning. I can carry it from room to room and have everything handy. My daughter has always been inquisitive about my cleaning bucket, so I thought it would be great to create a small one for her. Her Mini Cleaning Bucket doesn’t have any chemicals or actual cleaners in it, but I let her carry around gloves, paper towels, and cleaning cloths. It makes her feel important and part of the “cleaning team.”

I keep the cleaners in my bucket for several reasons. She’s not old enough yet to handle the cleaners on her own, and this gives me complete control over what we use. I always make her wear gloves when we clean, and I am the only one allowed to spray the cleaner or handle the bottle.

Having a little helper is nice, especially since the boys only help make messes. I can’t tell you how smudgy and gross the front door glass has been in the recent past. Three little pairs of hands beating on the door every time daddy rides by on the lawnmower takes its toll. A little Windex and elbow grease enforced by my little helper has the door shiny and ready for another beating in no time!

Even though my daughter truly likes helping and cleaning, she is forgetful sometimes and has that lazy streak that many kids have. As a reminder for her chores, I created a Chore Frame that she keeps on her dresser. This Chore Frame is best for one child, which means that each child can have their own for their personalized task list. It’s a simple Chore Frame that takes minutes to make, and it doesn’t require any hanging hardware. Use it as a reminder for weekly or daily chores. All the chores (or tags) go on the left side hook until they are accomplished for the day. Then the child moves them to the right side when they have completed each task.

Chore Frame Supplies:

• 8 x 10 Frame without glass
• Scrapbook paper
• Blank gift tags (can be purchased at any art and crafts store). I used foam ones so that they would hold up longer. Those with a die-cutting machine may be able to make these easily.
• Ribbon or twine
• Glue
• Scissors
• Hooks that do not require hardware (that simply stick on to adhere to the backing)

Begin by cutting a piece of scrapbook paper to the same size as the cardboard backing of the frame. Glue it on to the front side of the cardboard.

Insert the backing into the frame. Follow the directions on the hooks to adhere them to the frame backing.

Cut lengths of twine or ribbon approximately 6″ long.

Loop the twine through the whole in the gift tag. 

Tie another knot at the end of the twine or ribbon.

Write the desired chores or tasks on the tags and hang them on the hooks.

Want to stock up on Windex® and Pledge® products to keep your mommy’s little helper busy? Check out the Buy 4 Save $4 Mega Event at Kroger stores for Windex® from 11/3-11/15 and for Pledge® 11/10-12/27. Also check out Kroger Affiliates which include Baker’s Supermarkets, City Market, Dillons Food Stores, Fry’s Food And Drug, Gerbes Super Markets, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen’s, Pay Less Super Markets, QFC, Ralphs, Scott’s, Smith’s, Fred Meyer, and Food 4 Less.