My Swedish Hospital weekly "Parent Review" email article had a great section today...and they're always right on target with the developmental tips, too.  I am sharing this because it is particularly practical!

Did you know?
Toddlers love to help out around the house and elsewhere. It makes them feel like big kids and helps to foster their sense of empathy and caring for others.

Volunteering together
It’s not too early to introduce your child to the experience of community service. Many volunteer activities are well-suited to a toddler’s abilities: helping out in a community garden, bringing a meal to an elderly neighbor, or caring for a friend’s pet dog or cat. All can be managed and appreciated by even very young children, especially when shared with you.
Side by side
The toddler years are a famously difficult time for parents to get any chores done around the house. One way to eke out some productive time is to have your child do a similar task while you do yours. This may take some planning on your part but it will be worth it. Baking a cake? Set out ingredients for your child to work with, and have him stir his “cake” while you stir yours, pour while you pour. Or, you can measure ingredients that are part of your recipe and let him pour them into the mixer.
Try using toy versions of your household tools (brooms, vacuum cleaners, screwdrivers) and assign your child specific tasks (“Can you vacuum your room while I vacuum the hallway?”). This may keep him entertained long enough for you to at least make a dent in the work…and teach him about household chores that can became real ones for him before too long.