I Do It Myself!

Materials You Need: None

What You Can Do Together: Your toddler is becoming more independent. That is exciting for both of you but has some challenges.  She or he may refuse to do what you want her or him to do, or she or he may want you to do things her or his way! This is a time for patience and some clever strategies.  When your child insists “Do it myself” when something is too difficult, perhaps you can encourage him or her to do one part of it, and then step in and finish while praising.  “Your turn” and “my turn” may help sometimes. You can also use your words to reflect your child’s feelings, such as “I know you want me to do it your way, but I cannot do it right now.  It makes you angry, but let’s find something else to do now, and we can try later.”

What Your Child is Learning: Your child is learning to be independent and to express his or her own wishes. This is an important but not easy step in his or her development. Your patient support will gradually help your child manage his or her feelings of frustration and begin to understand other people’s needs as well as your child’s own needs.