[Busy~bee]

Both my girls love cleaning.

I think it's fairly normal- it's an activity they see happening a lot so they like to copy it and it also helps them feel they have control over their environment (let's face it, toddlers don't get to control much in their lives) and also makes them feel special by feeling grown up and helpful.

My 5 yr old is *still* into cleaning and as a bribe, if she tidies her bedroom she "gets" to clean her mirrors and vacuum her floor.

Embrace it, I say!

[LibbieH]

My children were similar, from 18 mths, especially my son. I think from this age they love copying us, doing something purposeful and playing with grown-up things. I guess the person who commented thought there may be cause for concern if he is too rigid and into routine, order, etc, but there are no black and white lines and it doesn't sound like you have any cause for concern!

[boatiebabe]

Another with a DS who likes to clean and cook.

He probably started around 2 and thankfully he is still keen at 6. He is quite inflexible in a number of ways and likes some things 'just so' but it's not a problem - just how he is. In fact he is just like my 79 year old dad but in a 6 year olds body!

8 year old DD has NEVER been keen on cleaning of any kind but has just started to be interested in cooking - possibly due to wanting to go on Junior Masterchef one day .

I must admit both my kids, are really excited about vacuuming which is surprising because I hardly ever do it. We have cleaners once a week so they do all the heavy cleaning stuff. It must be the novelty of it?

[mumto3monkeys]

I use vacuuming as a reward if my ds (5) picks up toys from the floor. (He hates picking up.)....He gets to wear red headphones and drag around a noisy machine which is plugged into a real electrical powerpoint:) Loves it, Has done since he was 3.

Win-win for both of us. Toys picked up and floor vacuumed.... he does a pretty good job.

This post has been edited by mumto3monkeys: 07/08/2012, 04:07 PM