22mo–3y10 minFamily timeSelf-careOutdoor
Confidence Check-In: Easy Here, Tricky There
Notice where your child feels confident (and where they don’t yet) across everyday situations, then practise one gentle confidence-building step with lots of choice and support.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and pen (or notes app)
- a hat or jacket with a zipper (or any easy clothing item)
- a scarf/string for a simple ‘stop line’ (optional indoors or outdoors)
Nice to have
- two stuffed toys to ‘practice’ with
- stickers (or drawn stars) to mark brave tries
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExpresses feelings through words or actionsHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneClearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Body· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestonePuts on clothes with limited helpBody· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Consult with parents about children’s varying levels of confidence in different situations.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)