Toddler life hacks

Toddlers are at a very sensitive age for physical independence. It is natural to want to take care of them, yet sometimes giving the freedom and space to do things by themselves is a gift that not only makes them happy, but also support their overall development, confidence and sense of self.

Eating and drinking

A child who can walk is old enough to feed themselves, with fingers, spoon and fork. We recommend an open cup (a shot glass or espresso cup are just the right size) over a sippy, and never a bottle with a nipple. A two-year old might still need a bit of help with the knife, but they can practice on soft food like potatoes or dumplings.

Cleaning up

Toddlers are great at making messes, but they love cleaning too. If nothing else, toddlers should be responsible for putting things away: dishes in the sink, toys on the shelf, laundry in the hamper… it’s both good exercise and good habits.

Toddlers also can (and love to!) mop and wipe spills; sweep; water plants; wash things in a bucket or pail; mop the resulting spills; and so on.

Making choices about their day

You might not let your toddler choose their wardrobe or diet but they benefit greatly from making small decisions, like – corn or peas with dinner? Blue or red shirt? Walk or drive their bike to the park? They key is to offer a few neutral options and accept your child’s decision, let‑ ting them see that they and their opinions are appreciated and respected.

Dressing and undressing

Starting slow, a very young child can help by pulling up pants, inserting their arms and legs into sleeves and leg holes, and pulling off their shoes. With some trial and error, they will figure out the rest before you know it! It helps to avoid clothing with small buttons or snaps placed where the child cannot do or even see them, and instead look for Velcro, large buttons and zippers.

What's the easiest way for a young child to put their jacket on by themselves? See the step-by-step process in the gallery below!

By Michaela Tučková

Want to learn more? Read our next article:

TOP 3 WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS

Gallery
Comments

Další články

Communicating with the Toddler Child

As teachers, we are often asked what special tips or tricks we use to get children to cooperate. Most often parents ask questions like “How can I get my child more interested in dressing and eating by themselves?”or “How can we make the mornings run more smoothly?” It can feel challenging when our patience is tested, but we must remember that children are learning to develop their own will and sense of obedience which is a natural process lasting until around six years of age.

Magic mat

There are a few things typical to Montessori classrooms worldwide that might give the casual observer a pause. Picture it: you walk into a beautiful Casa environment, full of children working, many of them on mats rolled out on the floor. The students moving through the room know to step between mats, never on them. Of course, in the beginning of the school year it took many presentations, repetitions and reminders to instill this routine in the students.

7 benefits your child can get when starting Montessori early

“The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth.” Maria Montessori

Make homemade soap with your toddler!

All you will need is 100g of soap, rubber molds, turmeric powder, lemon or orange essential oils, fresh lemon or orange, and a grater or zester.

IMSP Podcast: Meet alumna Tara Svobodova

"I would really encourage you to enjoy the time you have at IMSP because it is something I look back fondly to."