Simple Steps to Help Little Hands Do Big Things
“I do it!” The phrase shouted out at helpful parents, teachers, daycare and childcare workers alike from the grumpy toddler who absolutely thinks they can zip their coat themselves. 15 minutes and an entire emotional roller coaster later, they are finally happily zipped and ready to go outside.
Helping toddlers grow independent doesn’t have to be a milestone of frustration for all, but it can be an opportunity for bonding, emotional growth and confidence building. In support of this, research shows that when adults support autonomy, children develop stronger self-regulation and curiosity (NAEYC, Child Mind Institute). We have compiled some helpful, easy, researched approaches for helping build your toddlers confidence and independence. Without your tears or theirs!
At Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we cultivate opportunities for toddlers to practice their independence every day. Schedule a tour today to see how our childcare and early childhood education program nurtures confident, capable kids from the very first step.
1. Set the Environment up for Success
Preparing spaces to make them child-friendly can go a long way. When preschool classrooms or homes have lower shelves, bins with picture labels, and reachable hooks a little on has the opportunity to practice decision-making and self-care, naturally (Illinois Early Learning). Research shows that environments designed for independence lead to stronger confidence and early executive function. In providing toddlers with an environment that sets them up for success, they can more easily learn the skills and expectations set for them, especially if they aren’t wasting half the time overcoming giant obstacles –like the fact that the coat hook is three feet higher than their little outstretched arm.
Come tour our classrooms and see how every shelf, hook, and child-sized space at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center is intentionally designed to foster independence in our students.
2. Offer Limited but Real Choices
Choice is the heartbeat of autonomy. However, phrasing is everything and with a headstrong toddler you have to choose your words wisely. Instead of asking, “What do you want to wear?” try “Red shirt or blue shirt?”
This small shift in verbiage empowers toddlers without overwhelming them, building early decision-making skills that foster long-term self-control (NAEYC). Controlled options allow toddlers to have some autonomy while allowing adults to retain some control of the outcome.
Our lovely educators here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center practice these gentle choice-making strategies every day. Schedule a visit to watch how we guide toddlers to think for themselves while still maintaining classroom management.
3. Invite Them to Help with Everyday Tasks
It might be quicker to pour the milk yourself, but letting your toddler try first is priceless. Remember, there’s no need to cry over spilled milk!
The Child Mind Institute shares studies that show early, meaningful responsibility—such as setting napkins or picking up toys—boosts persistence and pride. While it does take an extra dose of patience (and maybe some strong tea or coffee), allowing toddlers to tackle slightly challenging tasks helps strengthen their brains’ problem-solving skills and as a bonus, is a major confidence boost!
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we know that a child’s early childhood education goes so far beyond academics. We intentionally work with our students to help them grow their independence and overall development that will serve them well later in life. Come for a tour today to see this learning and independence in action!
4. Allow Small Frustrations to Grow Big Skills
When a puzzle piece doesn’t fit, the pause before you step in is powerful.
Supporting perseverance (“Try turning it this way”) helps toddlers build resilience and emotional regulation (Illinois Early Learning). Whether you are a preschool teacher, daycare of childcare worker, parent, caregiver, or even simply an adult bystander…watching, waiting, and encouraging can be so difficult. All might wait from the sidelines with bated breath for the opportunity to pop in and help but allowing the struggle will strengthen a child’s patience and grit–setting them up for future resilience and strength.
Challenges can become steppingstones to lifelong confidence for your little one! At Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, our early childhood educators are trained to guide and coach—not simply step in and rescue. Call us today to schedule a visit and chat with our teachers about the proven strategies they use every day to nurture independence in the classroom.
Growing Confidence, One Little Victory at a Time
Encouraging independence doesn’t mean leaving toddlers to fend for themselves. Nurturing a child’s independence happens one little step at a time, through meaningful childcare, daycare, and early childhood education experiences that invite children to try, stumble, and succeed in a safe and supportive environment. By setting up their world for success, offering intentional choices, and supporting (rather than rescuing) them through the frustrations, you can guide your toddler toward an independence that can last a lifetime!
At Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we would love to partner with your family and set your toddler up to grow into a confident and capable learner. Schedule a visit today to take a tour of our classrooms, meet out teachers and see the caring guidance we give to each of our students to build their confidence and help them flourish!