You will need: • Be patient and support your child as they learn to do things for themselves such as eating, dressing, washing and toileting. • Break tasks down into small steps and let your child master these before moving on to more difficult actions. • Encourage independence with small things such as: getting a tissue to wipe their nose, going to wash their hands, taking off their shoes at the door, putting rubbish in the bin or putting dirty washing in the basket.

Small steps might include:

• Hold cup for themselves

• Put arm in sleeve

• Put head in t-shirt

• Take pants down or pull them up

• Take off sweatshirt

• Comb hair

• Brush teeth

• Wipe mouth

• Use spoon

• Put shoes on

What next

As your child masters small steps, encourage them to have a go and praise their efforts and success.

Did you know:

• It is important to let a child know what is happening so talk your child through the action

• It is more important to praise effort than to insist on everything being done quickly and perfectly

• You can assist this process by supporting your child as they learn to do things for themselves

• There are pamphlets available from Waitemata Health to help you with toilet training your child. Ph: 09 839 0000

What your child is learning:

• Self help and self care skills

• That they are capable