- Assign simple and helpful tasks. Having your toddler put their plate in the sink after meals, throwing away trash, feeding pets, and picking up their toys are not only teaching them important life skills; it also encourages your toddler to become more independent. Many kids love to help around the house, and at the age of 2 toddlers want to participate in tasks around the house and find it fun. Slowing down and having your toddler help you with tasks, like with the laundry, will foster independence as they grow.
- Give options. Giving your toddler options (with easy choices) is another great way to allow them to practice their independent skills. I like to give 2 choices of shirts, pants, etc. or I ask what color they would like to wear that day. Another way to do this is offering 2 choices for plates, cups, or other mealtime necessities. This is also a fun way to encourage your child to help younger siblings that may not be able to make these choices yet. It’s a wonderful way to teach sharing by having them pick and give something to their sibling!
- Open ended/Uninterrupted play time. By giving your child open ended toys with uninterrupted play time (no leading, guiding, etc) it helps them sharpen their independent play skills. I also like to do toy rotation so that their toys are new and exciting every week (or so). Some of our favorite open ended toys come from Lovevery.
- Family style meals. By doing as many meals and snacks as possible as family style it helps your child gain independence and confidence around choosing their own food. Also, when doing family style meals you can ensure that you have options that you would like them to try and ones you know they will eat. This gives your toddler the ability to be exposed to new foods without pressure, which helps reduce mealtime struggles.
- Yes spaces. By having spaces that are “yes” spaces in your home it encourages your child to explore your home in a safe and independent way. I like to do this by having their toys on low shelving, easy access to their plates and bowls in the kitchen to choose for themselves, and even having “yes” snacks easily available (I typically have apples, pouches, bobo bites, and other healthy options for them to grab).
Encouraging Independence in Toddlers
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