Fostering Toddler Independence

The Montessori toddler program is centered around helping Toddlers become independent and confident. As Montessorians, we understand that supporting a child means preparing them for life—and often, that means helping them do things for themselves, being by their side as they struggle with new challenges, and savoring the pride that comes from succeeding. Much of our teaching in the Toddler Community centers around independence tasks, such as:

• Setting a table for snack time—and cleaning up afterward.

• Learning to dress oneself—by putting on shoes and pulling up pants.

• Taking an activity from the shelf—and returning it there afterward.

You can help at home by always keeping an eye out for ways to enable your Toddler to do things for themselves. Here are a few ideas:

• Buy clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Think elastic waist pants and T-shirts. Please avoid onesies, overalls, dresses, and anything with buckles that are too hard for toddlers to manage independently.

• Arrange their closet so they have just a few choices of outfits to pick from. One simple way is to lay out two outfits for the next morning, the night before. This makes it easy for your Toddler to have a say in what they wear—without being overwhelmed.

• Make things accessible in the kitchen. You can put their glasses, plates, and utensils on a low shelf or drawer in the kitchen. Consider also a low table with chairs, where they can work alongside you or have a snack independently. Or invest in a Learning Tower or similar higher-step stool so they can reach the kitchen counter and work alongside you. A Tripp-Trapp or similar chair works great for toddlers to join you at the dining table, without needing to be strapped into a high chair.

• Let them self-feed. Using utensils to feed themselves not only increases their confidence, it helps them avoid food struggles—and gives them daily opportunities to strengthen the muscles they'll need to learn to write later on.

• Slow down and let them walk. Whenever possible, let your toddler walk rather than push him around in a stroller. Young children need physical activity to properly develop their growing muscles, and a stroll at a toddler’s pace, with time to stop and explore the ants on the sidewalk, is a great way to encourage a child to be active from a young age.

• Encourage independent play. Put attractive yet practical toys on low-open shelves. Buy a few work rugs and a low table and chairs. Get your Toddler started on an activity—then fade into the background. Your toddler will, over time, learn to play independently, without you needing to entertain them. Independent, sustained play is much better than putting a child in front of the TV or an iPad when you need to get other things done!