As a first-time mom, I probably witnessed every movement my toddler made from a 12-inch distance—close enough to help, far enough away to snap a picture. I wanted to capture every new skill and milestone as they came. As moms, we’re proud of our toddlers’ achievements and those big smiles tell us they are too!
Once they get rolling, they want to do more and more for themselves. All that confidence growing right before our eyes! It’s incredible: one or two years on this earth and our children are able to do so much already. Here are 5 self-help skills for toddlers that we can start letting them do for themselves (if you haven’t already) and the benefits that come along with them.
1. Fall Asleep Alone
If given the choice, our little ones would probably choose to snuggle up with us every single night. But learning to fall sleep without us is a skill every child needs to learn at some point. And it could be earlier than you’d think. By 4–6 months old, babies have the capacity to self-soothe, calm themselves, and fall asleep on their own, says Noah Schwartz, MD of the Cleveland Clinic.
If your toddler’s still relying on you to lie down with him, make sure you have consistent bedtime routine so he knows that after his book and prayers, you’re tucking him in and leaving. Print out our Little Kids’ Prayer to use tonight!
2. Make Personal Choices
Now that your toddler’s on her feet and gaining more mobility, she’s probably voicing her opinions more often. And that’s a good thing. Lean into her growing sense of autonomy by letting her make choices about what to wear, what she’d like as a snack, and where she’d like to go on the playground. As she gets practice with decision-making, she’ll grow in confidence and self-esteem, two super important qualities to start developing in her now.
Try asking, Goldfish or yogurt? The slide or the swings? She’s becoming her own little person, and it’s a cause for celebration!
3. Feed Himself
This is another self-help skill for toddlers that builds independence. It can also be very messy as drips and crumbs end up on the floor and all over your child. But stick with it because it’s an important milestone and skill. It’s also a great way for your child to learn fine motor skills as he picks up finger foods and later, holds a spoon.
Even though it can be a long process as your little one learns to get everything in his mouth, be patient as he throws his green beans on the floor—again. Eventually, he’ll get the hang of it all. Don’t forget to praise his effort!
4. Play by Herself
Playing with your child is so important for development. For starters, it builds kids’ relationship skills, physical skills, and resilience. But just as important, toddlers need opportunities to play on their own. “When a child plays alone, it can foster imagination and creative play, build persistence and problem-solving skills, and teach patience and resilience,” says PA Promise for Children. It doesn’t mean your child should be unsupervised. Rather, you should stay nearby while she plays.
Independent play is good for toddlers! It’s their chance to explore, get curious, and learn at their own pace. All these skills can build their confidence!
5. Get Around
Learning to walk is exciting for your toddler! The smiles are so big! Suddenly, he doesn’t want you to carry him. And strollers are only for naps. We know how it is when you’re in a hurry and your toddler doesn’t want to ride. It can make the calmest mom start to sweat. But when a kid’s got a newfound ability, he just wants to use it.
So, look for ways to give your toddler that extra run-around time. Maybe you leave home a little earlier. Maybe you let him toddle to the car instead of carrying him outside. It’ll not only make him happy and proud but will give him practice with those quickly developing gross motor skills. In a few short years, they’ll come in handy at school when everyone runs out to the playground.
Self-help skills for toddlers are the ones that build the other skills all kids need—confidence, autonomy, and resilience. What stage of life are you and your toddler in now? What’s been easy, or hard?
