In order to raise a helper, you need tools for raising helpers. Children are much more likely to lend a hand when they have their own tools.

When you give a child a tool it is as if you are saying, “you are good enough to help, your work is valued, and you are worthy.”

The early messages we send our children can affect their work ethic for life. For tips be sure to pop over to have a look at 15 Ways to Raise a Helper.

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In the photos above my daughter is using her wheelbarrow and our Electrolux vacuum.

Tools for Raising Helpers

Tools are magical objects to children. They see us using them and want to use them too. Learning to safely use tools helps children develop self-confidence and independence.

Children want to be just like their caregivers doing chores, working, and using tools. Give children the tools they need to become the helpers they were born to be!

Household Tools for Kids

1. DIY Chemical-Free Cleaning Kit for Kids

Kids love to have their own supplies to help with around the house. Having their own cleaning kit makes them want to clean. My concern has always been the toxic chemicals in cleaning supplies. This one is chemical-free!

2. Mini Brush and Dustpan Set

Perfect for your little helper to clean up their little messes. Great for spilled snacks!

3. Wisk Broom for kids

This is a charming short hand broom sized for little hands. The handle is approximately 5 inches long. Each broom is created with natural materials grown and processed in the USA.

4. Childs Wooden Dustpan

This cute little dustpan is perfect for your little helper. The solid construction helps little ones sweep dirt into it easily.

5. Natural Broom for Kids

At 36 inches long this broom the right length for children to use. Each broom is created with natural materials grown and processed in the USA. The maple wood handle is from US harvested lumber and is finished with Beeswax Polish.

6. Childs String Mop

The perfect string mop for your little helper–sturdy yet charming. The inside layer of the cotton is tied into a knot so that the end of the handle will not damage the floor and will stand up to any mess. Made in the USA.

7. Ostrich Duster

My daughter loves using this silly little tool! She is always making off with it to dust something. It has a light, fluffy, ostrich feather head that is great for dusting picture frames, knick-knacks, and other delicate items without the need for cleaning chemicals.

8. Swiffer Sweeper Wet & Dry Floor Mop Starter Kit

These are awesome for kids! When we were on vacation last summer the home we stayed in had one. Whenever I tried to use it my daughter threw herself on the floor until I let her clean. Yes, Really! I was happy to hand it over and let her have a go.

6. Electrolux Vacuum

This is my favorite tool for quickly sweeping the kitchen floor and my daughter’s favorite tool for helping mama vacuum the house. All I have to do is get out my vacuum and she goes and does the same. Monkey see monkey do… awesome!

We have an older model of this vacuum pictured above. It does a darn good job!

My daughter also likes to use this to clean up when she makes a mess. It even has a 2-in-1 detachable handheld vacuum that she can use AND clean out when she is done! Thanks for teaching her how to do that dad. 🙂

Update: We were recently given a Black and Decker cordless stick vacuum and we love it! It also has a 2-in-1 detachable handheld vacuum that’s easy for both kids and adults to use. We never tried the new model of Electrolux listed above, but this black and decker had much better suction and cleaning power than our old Electrolux pictured above.

Yard & Garden Tools for Raising Helpers

1. Soft Jersey Gardening Gloves

These stretchable cotton colorful print gloves with coordinating knit wrist to help keep dirt out and hands clean.

2. Mini Haws Watering Can

This is a small, well-balanced, mini version of the classic haws watering can that is perfect for kids. My daughter LOVES watering and uses this for both indoor and outdoor plants.

I recommend gluing on the removable brass faced spout or your child may lose it like mine did – ha! You can see it missing in the photo collage at the bottom of this page.

Another one of my favorite types of watering cans for kids can be found in the hand garden tool set below. My daughter uses both regularly.

3. Hand Garden Childs Tool Set with Tote

A sturdy canvas bag containing a rake, fork, spade, and watering can for kids. The tools are metal with wood handles and are fully functional.

4. Standing Garden Tool Set for Kids

This kid-sized set of sturdy tools includes a shovel, rake, hoe and leaf rake. Each metal tool is attached to a solid wood handle so kids can really help!

5. Push Broom

The perfect sized push broom for your little helper!

6. Wheelbarrow

Another one of my daughter’s favorite tools. This wheelbarrow is as functional as it is fun. The perfect wheelbarrow for little ones to haul their toys around or help with chores in the yard or garden.

My daughter helping us move wood from a truck to the woodpile in the backyard.

7. All-Terrain Cargo Wagon or All-Terrain Steel and Wood Wagon

I think my daughter’s grandma loves this wagon as much as my daughter does. She is always borrowing it! It has many uses above and beyond the yard and garden that make it well worth the purchase price.

We have the first one listed. It is all wood with removable side walls that come in handy. I also really love the second option because the wagon is metal with wood sides that are not removable. The right wagon for you depends on your needs and which features make the most sense for your family.

These wagons can be used for hauling around toys, tools, heavy plants and equipment, bringing in the groceries, farmers markets, trips to the park or beach, and picking berries or visiting the pumpkin patch!

Building & Construction Tools for Kids

1. Children’s Safety Goggles and/or Kids Safety Glasses

These safety goggles and glasses are not just for building and construction. They are also perfect for science projects and any other activities that you want to make sure little helping eyes are well protected.

We have used these not just for science projects but also cooking, art, and woodworking. If you have kids who are creative and love to be hands-on I recommend one or both of these.

2. Kids Hearing Protectors

These comfortable earmuffs are fully adjustable to fit little ones comfortably while still fitting snug over the ears for superior protection against loud noises that can cause hearing damage. They even work for me!

Little ears are so sensitive. These are great for when the kids want to be outside with you when you are working with loud equipment such as lawn mowers, blowers, hammers, and skill or chop saws. We don’t allow our daughter to go outside with dad when he’s working with loud equipment unless she is wearing these.

3. Children’s Work Gloves (Leather, Synthetic Leather, or Nitrile Coated)

Protect kids’ hands while they’re working and playing!