Even though you may want to keep them little forever it is very important to help your child learn how to become independent. Give them many opportunities to practice and succeed at every day activities. They will grow up quickly no matter how hard you try to keep them little, so let's give them every opportunity to become successful little people.


Meal time is a great time for your toddler to do things for themselves. If they have going to have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch let them spread the peanut butter and jelly on the bread themselves. It will definitely take longer than if you did it for them, but they are developing skills that they will need for the future. As an added benefit, they may also eat better because they made it themselves.


At meal times you can also allow them to pour their own drink. To help your child be successful with this task you can first put the milk, water or juice that they will be pouring into a pitcher that is small enough for them to handle and is not filled to the top. Pouring their own drink will become easier and easier for them as their gross motor skills develop.


The every day things are the ones that your toddler needs to learn to do on their own. Getting dressed is no exception. Some things that make it easier for your child to dress themselves are elastic waist pants. When they are first learning to get dressed those snaps and zippers can be frustrating. Also, you will want to stay away from shirts with buttons. Shirts are dresses that slip right over the head are best when you toddler is starting out.


Be sure to praise your child for the attempts that they make, even if they are not completely successful. With time they will gain the success. They ability to do things for themselves is greatly rewarding and necessary for your toddler.

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