Self Help Skills

Something I strongly believe in & support in my child care! (as you can tell, I left this little guy to try on his own & this is what he did!) 

I like this “hand washing steps” printable sign I found at 2Care2Teach4Kids. (green sequence cards on right)

We’ve also been using this little hand washing song – it’s the first one I’ve found that I really like. I laminated both and stuck them to the mirror with double stick tape so I can teach the kids this process and they also have reminders.

I’ve had some new kids join my group {of 2-5 year olds} the last few weeks and one thing I see consistently is that kids need to be taught simple bathroom routines. Sure, they might have potty training down pat, but basic habits need to go along with that.

1. Close. I want the lid closed for several reasons – I don’t want to look at it open {who does?}, the little kids are less likely to play in it and the cat stays out. Also, did you know, closing the lid keeps germs from flying around the room when the toilet is flushed.  (Don’t keep your toothbrush on the back of the toilet or on the edge of the sink near the toilet! Ick!) It’s just a good habit.

2. Flush. Why not insist the child flush every time? They are capable and should do it every time. Why should someone else do it for them later? It’s a responsibility and it’s courteous.

3. Wash. This is so necessary. Every. Single. Time. I insist on it. Once a parent told me: My bathroom is so clean I don’t worry about it. I believe her home is immaculate {she didn’t work and brought her child to me so it should be!} Not only does the child touch the toilet, other surfaces in the bathroom, but also his own body and possibly fluids. Eww. What about teaching healthy habits? He won’t always be at home.
Some kids I have to tell every single time. Others catch on right away. I do think some of these things start at home and can start habits that will last a lifetime.

Oh, it’s so good when kids are encouraged to be independent and taught self help skills! It’s a big part of my job.

Here is a nice guide for self help skills: All By Myself.  Of course each child develops differently. If we give opportunities for kids to learn self help skills and enough time for them to try, they will learn important skills, develop confidence and build self esteem. Resist babying a child that is old enough to do something on their own. The goal is one day to have independent people and little people can do a lot of things now! I find it eventually makes life easier if you invest the time to teach them.