16mo–2.2y12 minSelf-careMealtimeToileting
Independence Lens: Culture & Small Steps
A brief reflection-and-practice activity where you considers cultural expectations around independence and then offers your child one small, safe self-care choice (food/drink/toileting comfort) to support managing self in a respectful, developmentally appropriate way.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one everyday self-care moment you’re already doing (snack/drink, wiping hands, nappy/pants change, or getting dressed)
- a small cup with a tiny amount of water (or an empty cup for practice)
- a cloth or wipe for hands/face
Nice to have
- a small snack with 2 acceptable options (e.g., two fruit pieces, two cracker types)
- a spare nappy/pants/underwear for a calm change if needed
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
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneShows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStarts to communicate urination, bowel movement.Body· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· core
What it practices
- Holds cup with both hands and drinks without much spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Willing to try new food textures and tastes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates wet or soiled nappy or pants.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware of and learn about differences in cultural attitudes to children’s developing independence.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)