4 tips to improve toddler independence
Complete self-care tasks
Allowing your toddler to complete tasks to manage their own self-care increases their sense of autonomy
setting the table
dressing themselves
brushing their teeth
prepare their own food (breakfast or snacks is a great place to start)
2. Take risks
Taking risks is hard, it takes emotional strength to trust yourself and that it will be okay if you fail. But it is through the risk we build self-esteem and confidence.
So let them make mistakes and be mindful of your reaction to these
Give them space to explore without you hoovering
Step back from running in to fix their attempts
Let go of the 'perfect' outcome, let it be messy, and let go of the control
3. Clean up their own mess
To be independent, cleaning up is just part of it. We all make mess when we try new things and accepting that is allowing children to clean up for themselves.
So how?
provide cleaning material at their height and allow access
consider child-sized cleaning equipment and nothing beats a dustpan and brush!
model how to clean up by doing it WITH them rather than for them
be mindful of your response when they make a mess, stay calm and explain the process to clean up
4. Give them a choice
Giving children a choice, gives them a voice, having a voice builds a sense of autonomy. Yet too many choices and you are frozen (I hear I have nothing to wear ringing in my ears), so limit their choices to 2 or 3 things.
Things children are able to choose themselves
games to play with caregivers
how to play the game, they can make their own rules (these never make sense)
clothes (give 2 choices of weather-appropriate clothing)
food through placing a few options on their plate
