A step stool or step ladder can be purchased online, in hardware stores, or in children’s department stores. Once on the stool, your child’s mid-section should be level with the sink. The stool should be safe and secure. You might consider washing the knives and fragile dishes in front of your child, explaining how you are washing them and that soon it will be their turn to wash. Be sure to place them out of your child’s reach once they are cleaned and dried. Any towel will work to absorb spills, but be sure to have plenty on hand in case of accidents.
If you are putting left over food in the trash, use a fork or knife to push the food off the plate into the trash. Be sure to show your child what you are doing and allow him or her to scape his or her plate. If you have a garbage disposal, show your child how to put leftover food in it safely. Instruct them as to what can and cannot be put into the garbage disposal, and that cold water should be running at all times when the garage disposal is running. [2] X Research source If you compost, teach your child the food that can be used for composting and those that cannot. That which can be used should be saved, and that which cannot should be discarded. [3] X Research source
All of these supplies can be picked up at a local supermarket. For a fun activity, have your child add soap to the water. He or she will surely enjoy the bubbles!
With younger children, it is always a good idea to demonstrate how to do the above steps before asking them to do it for themselves.
Remind your child that the cooking dishes can be very dirty, so extra scrubbing may be necessary. You can use plastic scrubbers or steal wool pads if necessary.
Instruct your child on how to maximize space in the dishwasher by lining up plates properly. Make sure that plates are not placed too close together, otherwise they may not get clean. For older children who can handle sharp objects, teach them that sharp knives should be placed so that they always face downward.
