WiseTip: AL-INI-M1626-G01A

Approaches to Learning

Promoting Initiative

Provide child-sized crockery and cutlery so that your toddler can more easily feed themselves.

WHY IT MATTERS

Initiative can be developed through daily meal routines. Such occasions present helpful problem-solving decisions and cultivate habits that children can practise to build independence.

Allowing children to feed themselves, help set tables, prepare meals, serve meals and clean up can foster their growing needs for independence and autonomy.

Warshaw, S.P. (2006) Help…at home: Developmental Support and information handouts for families with infants and toddlers birth to three (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: VORT Corporation.

Expect messiness during mealtimes as children are developing their motor skills as they learn to feed themselves. Providing young infants with finger foods or unbreakable utensils makes it easy for them tofeed themselves. This will also help promote their initiative.

Branscomb, K. R., & Goble, C. B. (2008). Infants and toddlers in group care: Feeding practices that foster emotional health. YC Young Children, 63(6), 2833.