“Help Me Do It Myself.”
Everyone’s home is unique. Each family needs to set up their home in a way that works for all members of the household. This offers some suggestions to incorporate the young child’s developmental needs throughout the home. Children develop confidence and a sense of responsibility when they are able to “do it myself”. The ideas listed below will help you prepare your home to encourage independence for your young child.
Kitchen
- Keep children’s cups, utensils, plates in a low drawer or cupboard to aid independence.
- Allow access to healthy snacks (juice in a small pitcher on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator, fruit bowl on a low shelf, healthy snacks in an easy to open container).
- Invite the child to set the table, count out napkins, etc.
- Children love to mix batters, whip eggs, spread butter, and peanut butter, and grate cheese. With practice, children can crack eggs, flip pancakes and make toast (with supervision).
- Keep sponges, a dustpan, and a whisk broom available for a child to clean up his messes.
Bedroom
- Add a low rod or hooks to the closet, so the child can care for his clothes.
- Keep a hamper, or bag handy where a child can put dirty clothes.
- Use the bottom dresser drawers for everyday clothes, so the child can reach them.
- Provide a quiet corner for looking at books.
- Use shelves instead of toy boxes, so the child can see them. Rotate toys on a regular basis.
Bathroom
- Provide a step stool for reaching the toilet and sink and a low mirror to aid the child in washing their faces, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair.
- Keep a small plastic pitcher near the tub so that the child can rinse her hair.
Living Room
- Have an area for the child’s things (books & puzzles).
- Provide a low table or floor pillows for them.
Laundry
- Young children can sort socks or fold clothes and towels.
- Children can learn to put their clothes away in organized drawers (label or attach a picture clue to the drawers until the child catches on.)
