Early start

Learning To Do

Have you tried to help a two-year-old do something and have them tell you "No! Me!"

This desire for autonomy is the sign of a healthy toddler. Supporting your child to do things on their own will help them develop self-confidence and a positive self-image.

Children who are allowed to take on some responsibility for themselves also feel like they are in charge of their bodies and worlds. They feel that their parents trust and have confidence in their ability to succeed. A good way to foster this sense of independence and self-sufficiency is by giving children the chance to practice self-care skills.

According to different ages, children can do the following self-care activities:

Approximately 8-12 months

• Eat snack with hands (cereal or cut up fruit/vegetables for example)

• Hold a spoon and toothbrush and imitate their parent's/caregiver's actions in using them

• Clean face/hands with a washcloth after eating (with adult help)

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for around 10-30 minutes*

From 12-18 months

• Wash hands (with adult help)

• Brush teeth (with adult help)

• Eat with child fork/spoon/knife

• Drink from an open cup

• Dress and undress and put on and take off shoes

• Choose an outfit (from two-three choices)

• Use a hairbrush

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for up to 30 minutes*

From 18 months-2 years

• Remove shorts/pants/skirt

• Take off and put away shoes

• Take off shirt (with adult help)

• Brush hair

• Bring food from serving plate to own plate

• Use a napkin

• Pour from a pitcher to own glass

• Wipe up spills

• Put trash into trash bin

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for up to 40 minutes*

3-year-olds

• Dress using zippers and buttons (with adult help)

• Put on shoes (with adult help on laces)

• Explore taking a shower on his/her own?soaping, pouring shampoo, etc. (with adult supervision)

• Help with cooking/baking (measuring, pouring, kneading, mixing)

• Pour beverage from a pitcher to a glass and wiping up spills

• Use a napkin

• Learn personal information (full name, residence, etc.)

• Help set the table (putting the napkins, placemats)

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for up to one hour*

4-year-olds

• Brush teeth independently

• Learn phone number

• Learn address

• Explore more things in the kitchen (cracking eggs, buttering bread, cutting up fruit)

• Dress, more or less, independently

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for up to one hour*

5-year-olds

• Choose clothing and dress independently

• Explore tying shoe laces

• Explore picking balanced meals

• Replace toilet paper roll when finished

• Wash plates/glasses when finished (with adult help)

• Help wipe down kitchen counters

• Try sweeping and ironing (with adult supervision)

• Play independently (with adult supervision but no intervention) for up to one hour*

This list is not exhaustive and is meant to give you ideas of how children can learn to become more independent. During the course of their trying these activities, children will "fail". Assure them that it is alright and always encourage them to try again. As adult caregivers, we must resist the temptation to always come in and rescue them. We must show that we trust in their ability so that they also learn to trust themselves. However, if you feel that it is not safe for your child to do any of these activities at the indicated age, don't force it. Remember that children develop at different paces and their safety always comes first.

What are things that your child likes to do on his/her own?

*Independent play allows children to choose their own activities and make their own

discoveries. Independent play does not include watching television or playing on the computer.

Source: www.positiveparentingconnection. net

The FREEMAN and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. is running weekly features on Early Childhood Care and Development to emphasize the importance of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and to increase public support for ECCD.