Menu
 Zpět

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

Další články

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumnus Caleb Miller

Introducing our first guest on the IMSP podcast series: Caleb Miller. After graduating from IMSP, he moved back to the United States, finishing his university degree. Caleb and our host, Mariana, chat about independence in childhood, the benefits of multi-age classrooms, and what advice he has for current IMSP Elementary students. While reflecting on his time at IMSP, Caleb looks towards the future as he pursues a career with a global focus. “That's one thing that Montessori, our school, planted in me,” Caleb tells us, “the desire to engage with the world”.

Read more

Staff Interview with Joyce McCusker

How were you first introduced to Montessori education? What led you to seek Montessori training for…

Read more

The toddler who won’t

We all know the scene: a frustrated parent, a child that refuses to listen and do as they’re told, the fight that no‑one wins.

Read more

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. 

Read more

Helping your Toddler on their Path of Development

Parents today are constantly surrounded by images and ideas of what their children should or shouldn’t have and it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is best for their child’s development. Every parent wants to make good decisions when it comes to the items you choose to bring into your home, but how do we know which ones are more or less beneficial than others?

Read more
17.01.2019
Join us for an Interactive Open House Register for
Baby & Me
Register for
Toddler & Me
Virtual tour