Set up an environment where your child can carry out some self-help skills. For example, set up low shelves or make sure toy boxes can be easily accessed by your child. This way, your child is free to make play choices and put away the toys independently when playtime is over. The same can be done with a laundry basket, to encourage your child to put dirty clothes away independently. Jones NP. (2005). BIG JOBS: Planning for competence. YC Young Children. 60(2):86-93. Korotaeva, E. & Svyattseva, A. (2016). Initiative Development in Preschool Children. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 233. 280-286. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.127.
Practicing self-help skills in their daily routines helps children develop self-esteem and a sense of themselves.
Children with more independence in self-care show greater initiative and confidence in their play and learning. Developing a competency of any kind develops a feeling of self-efficacy, making the child eager to seek out new challenges. Jones NP. (2005). BIG JOBS: Planning for competence. YC Young Children. 60(2):86-93. Korotaeva, E. & Svyattseva, A. (2016). Initiative Development in Preschool Children. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 233. 280-286. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.127.
Read more at AL-INI-C03.