22mo–3y12 minToiletingSelf-careFamily time
Pull Up, Try Again: Independence Steps
A practical mini-routine where you supports your child to do one or two self-care steps independently (especially pulling up pants after toileting), practise asking for help, and learn that different places can have different expectations.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your child’s pants/trousers/leggings (easy waistband if possible)
- a stable place to stand or sit while dressing (bath mat, low stool, or holding the wall/your hand)
- soap and towel for handwashing
Nice to have
- a spare pair of pants for practice (clean and dry)
- a small visual ‘steps’ cue you can point to (e.g., 3 fingers for pull up / wash hands / all done)
- a small timer (optional)
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
- MilestonePuts on clothes with limited helpBody· 2.5y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· core
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneClearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Body· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
What it practices
- Feeds self competently with spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Drinks well without spilling.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
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support children’s growing independence as they do things for themselves, such as pulling up their pants after toileting, recognising differing parental expectations.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)