8mo–20mo9 minMealtimeFree playSelf-care
Two Choices, One Pause
A quick routine that builds your child’s sense of agency: you offers two safe options, waits, notices signals, and follows through—then repeats the same pattern across snack, play, and care moments.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two safe options (e.g., two toys, two books, or two snack choices appropriate for your routine)
- a safe place for your child to sit or stand supported
Nice to have
- a small cup and/or spoon (as appropriate for your routine)
- a cloth for quick clean-up
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
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· core
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Give opportunities for babies to have choice, where possible.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)