I agree with both posters. I give specific directions for the under two's and the older two's I just say "time to clean up" and they know what to do.

I start them from a very early age to help with cleaning up. By the time they are 18 months I expect them to be able to put the toys away when it's clean up time. I can't think of any that have been that age and didn't at least put 2 or 3 toys away. They of course are a bit slower at it but they still do it!

I have a lot of parents comment that they can't believe how much their child does here. I think it's because the parents don't give them the opportunity to do so lol. I had a mom come pick her daughter up early at lunch one day. Her daughter was between 16 and 18 months at the time and when she finished eating she got up from the table and brought me her sippy cup and empty plate to put in the sink. Her mom was in disbelief LOL. This is one of the children that I lost to a daycare centre and the centre told mom that wherever she had come from had done a great job at teaching her how to transition. It was a nice pat on the back moment when mom called to let me know

Now of course, some of this works better with some kids and not so great with others!! Right now I have a 16 month old boy who REFUSES to clean up!! I have to physically take his hand, pick up the toy in his and my hand and put it in the bucket it goes. He also just stares at me blankly when I ask for his empty plate. I don't think it's because he's too young or doesn't understand what I'm saying, I think he is just that stubborn!! Dad says at home he doesn't listen very well either. He pretty much does what he wants when he wants. It can be frustrating lol. He also will never come to me when I call him for diaper change, getting dressed to go outside etc. I always have to go get him and bring him to where he needs to be. Good thing he's cute!!! lol