16mo–2.2y8 minMealtimeFamily timeSelf-care
Water or Milk? Two-Cup Choice Chat
A simple, healthy choice routine where you creates time to discuss two drink options (water or milk), supports your child to choose and communicate preferences, and practices careful cup holding with small sips.
What you'll need
Essentials
- two small cups (or one cup used twice)
- water
- milk (or your usual milk alternative, if that’s what your family uses)
Nice to have
- a small tray or towel under the cups
- a wipe/cloth for spills
- a child-sized jug/pitcher for adult-controlled pouring
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneDevelops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneDrinks well without spillingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Create time to discuss options so that young children have choices between healthy options, such as whether they will drink water or milk.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)