🧩 Thinking & feelings · Ages 3–4 · about 3 weeks

I Can Do It Myself

Goal: Try small parts of dressing, eating, toileting and tidying, notice how you feel and ask an adult for help.

For parents: Independence grows in small steps and at different times. Offer a choice of manageable jobs. Stay nearby, help when asked and keep toileting private and free from pressure or rewards for staying dry.

Do together

  1. One dressing step

    You need: Your child's usual clothes

    Choose a step together, such as pulling up loose trousers or pushing an arm through a sleeve. Start it if needed and let your child finish. Ask how it feels to try. They may point to a happy, sad or cross face you draw. Practise 'Please help me' when something is stuck. Skip fiddly fastenings for now.

  2. My place at the table

    You need: An unbreakable cup, a spoon and a cloth

    Invite your child to put out their cup and spoon. At their usual meal, let them try using the spoon while seated and supervised. Afterwards, help them carry the empty cup to a low, safe place and wipe their space. Adults handle hot food and drinks.

  3. My care routine

    You need: Paper and a crayon

    Draw a simple reminder for asking to use the toilet and washing hands afterwards. Talk through your family's routine without asking your child to demonstrate. Give practical help and privacy as needed. Then practise putting a used hand towel in its usual place together.

Talk about it

  • How do you feel when you try this step?
  • What can you say when you need help?
  • Where does this go when we have finished?

Words to use

  • try
  • help
  • dress
  • spoon
  • toilet
  • wash
  • tidy
  • feel

Play

  • Feelings Friends
    Feelings
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