Do you hear “I do it myself!” a lot these days? Your toddler between 1-2 years old is ready to try many things on their own. This is a great time to help them learn to be more independent. Let’s see how you can help your little one grow more confident each day!
Why Independence Matters
When toddlers learn to do things by themselves, they:
- Feel proud of what they can do
- Gain confidence to try new things
- Learn important skills for life
- Feel happy about growing up
- Have fewer tantrums (sometimes!)
Daily Activities Your Toddler Can Try
Getting Dressed
Even young toddlers can help with clothes:
- Push arms through sleeves
- Pull up loose pants
- Take off socks and shoes
- Choose between two outfits
- Put dirty clothes in a hamper
Helpful Tip: Lay clothes out in order. Make a game of it: “Can you find where your head goes?”
Mealtime Independence
Toddlers can do more at meals than you might think:
- Use a spoon or fork (expect mess!)
- Drink from a small cup
- Wipe their mouth with a napkin
- Help set the table with plastic dishes
- Push in their chair
Helpful Tip: Use plates with sections and cups that are easy to hold. Put a small mat under their place to catch spills.
Bath Time Skills
Bath time is perfect for practicing:
- Washing hands and tummy
- Putting toys in a basket
- Helping dry off with a towel
- Brushing teeth (with your help after)
- Washing face with a cloth
Helpful Tip: Make a picture chart of bath steps to follow each night.
Cleaning Up
Even little helpers can:
- Put books on a shelf
- Place toys in a bin
- Help wipe up spills
- Throw trash in a can
- Carry small items to put away
Helpful Tip: Make cleanup fun with a special song or race against a timer.
How to Set Up for Success
Make Things Easy to Reach
- Low hooks for towels
- Step stools at sinks
- Toys on low shelves
- Small pitchers for pouring
- Clothes in low drawers
Break Down Big Tasks
- Give one step at a time
- Show them how to do it first
- Use simple words
- Offer help when needed
- Praise each step they do
Be Patient and Positive
- Allow extra time
- Expect things to be messy
- Focus on effort, not perfection
- Give high fives for trying
- Take pictures of new skills
When Your Toddler Says “No!”
Some days, your toddler won’t want to be independent. That’s normal! Try these ideas:
- Offer limited choices: “Do you want to put on your red shirt or blue shirt?”
- Make it a game: “Can you put on your pants faster than I count to 10?”
- Use a special helper toy: “Let’s have Teddy show us how to brush teeth!”
- Take turns: “I’ll do one sock, you do the other.”
- Know when to help: “You tried so hard! Let me help just this time.”
Fun Ways to Encourage Independence
- Make a chart with pictures of things they can do
- Take photos of them doing tasks and make a book
- Get child-sized tools (broom, dustpan, etc.)
- Have a special “I Did It!” dance
- Let them wear an “I’m the Helper” badge
Remember These Important Things
- Keep them safe while they learn
- Show them each step clearly
- Give them time to try
- Praise their efforts
- Stay close by to help if needed
Activities by Age
12-18 Months
- Holding their own spoon
- Putting toys in a container
- Taking off shoes and socks
- Helping turn pages in a book
- Putting trash in a can
18-24 Months
- Washing hands with help
- Putting on simple clothes
- Helping wipe up spills
- Carrying plates to the sink
- Putting away toys by type
When Your Toddler Needs Help
Some days will be harder than others. It’s OK to help when:
- They’re very tired
- They don’t feel well
- The task is too hard
- They’re upset or frustrated
- You’re in a hurry
The goal isn’t for them to do everything perfectly. The goal is to build confidence and skills little by little.
Remember This
Independence grows slowly, just like your toddler does. Some days they’ll want to do everything themselves. Other days they’ll want your help. Both are normal and part of growing up!
By helping your toddler learn to do things on their own, you’re giving them a wonderful gift – the confidence to try new things and the skills they’ll use their whole life. You’re doing a great job!
