How do you do housework with a clingy 3 yr old?

[CatsSleepAnywhere]

I need to get the washing up done but every time I try to start on it DD comes and does everything possible to make it difficult. (she crawls between my legs, tries to get in the way or throws a mega strop.)

We are also trying to potty train.

I am typing this one handed as she won't leave me alone!

ds is 16months at the mo and has a playpen that he goes into if I need to get things done. Once he is older I will probably have a stairgate on his room and he will have to create a horrendous mess play in there while i get on with things.

CBeeBies or Cartoonito.

DVD.

The occasional chair up beside me so Toddler can "help" or watch.

Distraction by setting up an activity in the kitchen with me so I can help/watch/admire appropriately and still crack on.

Thanks all, I have put a dvd on and at the mo she is sitting watching so I will go and try again in the kitchen.

As for the potty training we have not ever had a wee in the potty yet.
I've tried to bribe her with stickers but she's just not done it yet.
I don't know what to do she is 3.5 so really needs to get it soon! We have been trying on and off since last year.

Sorry to completely change the subject.

Hi Cats. Can you give her a bowl of soapy water and some plastic bits and bobs to "wash" while you do your washing up?

It sounds like she is looking for attention and interaction.

With mine it doesn't matter how much I give they always want more.

You could also give her an empty anti bac type spray (you could leave it empty or rinse it thoroughly and then put a little water in it) and a piece of kitchen roll and ask her to clean the kitchen cupboard fronts while you do the dishes.

Would she feel included if you sang with her while you did the jobs?

How are you going about the potty training so far?

DS is a bit of a pest unless I let him 'help' with the housework, he loves helping me put things in the washing machine and when we put things on the line he holds the peg bag and gives me the pegs (if he thinks I'm allowed one!). We've also just bought him his own dustpan and brush so he can 'help' tidy the kitchen without danger to the glassware from using the big broom! If I need to do something he can't help with it's either CBeebies or I do it whilst he's eating.

for kitchen jobs an empty spray bottle with waterge her cleaning cupboard fronts/turned off washing machine

bowl soapy water and plastic things for "helping"

pulling laundry out machine into basket/loading machine

passing pegs

bathroom

stick her in the bath with a cloth and get her to "clean" whilst you crack on rest of it!

living room duster and polish/dustpan and brush

bedrooms help make beds/polish/put things away

general 5minutes off tv/dvds

hope that helps.x