Skill· 22mo–2.7y· 2 min

Big Kid Cup

Child drinks from an open cup (no lid) without spilling. Parent observes grip style, tilt control, and self-correction. Three rounds: two-hand hold, single-hand, and self-initiated pour-and-drink. Agent frames it positively as a big-kid skill, not a test.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Fill a small cup 1/3 with liquid. Place on the table in front of child. Have a cloth nearby. Do not demonstrate first.

How it works

  1. 1~30s

    Say to your child: 'Can you have a drink from your cup?' — and then just watch. Don't guide the grip. Notice: does they use one hand or two? Does they tip the cup slowly or all at once? Does any spill? Does they notice the spill and self-correct? Tell me everything.

    Watch for: Child drinks from open cup without spilling significantly

  2. 2~30s

    Now ask your child: 'Can you hold the cup with two hands — like this?' (demonstrate holding a cup with both hands curved around the sides). Then step back. Did two hands help? Did they switch back to one on their own?

    Watch for: Child uses two-hand grip with improved control

  3. 3~20s

    Last observation: after the drink, say 'Can you put the cup down on the table?' Don't touch it. Watch how your child puts it down — do they set it down carefully, or is it a drop? This tests the return phase which children often master after the drinking phase.

    Watch for: Child sets cup down without tipping or dropping

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon