Let Me Try—I Can Do It

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   As your child grows, you may notice a shift from needing help with everything to wanting to do everything “myself.” Here are some everyday things a two-year-old may be ready to try.

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   At meals, your child can use a spoon, hold a cup with both hands, and hand you an empty bowl or cup when finished.

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   While dressing, your child can push an arm into a sleeve, a leg into pants, or lift a foot for a shoe. While undressing, they may try pulling off socks or removing a hat.

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   During hygiene routines, your child can rub hands together, rinse them under water, and dry with a towel. They can wipe their face after brushing teeth or washing and help wash their arms, belly, and legs during a bath.

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   Your child can also return toys to a bin, put dirty clothes in a hamper, and help wipe their small table.

What to notice

• Wants to try doing everyday tasks independently Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Follows a simple direction you give Attending and Understanding

Tips

• When your child wants to try an everyday task, give them room to do it when the situation allows and notice their effort.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Repeatedly taking part in small everyday tasks helps your child build confidence in “I can do it” and gradually act with greater independence.