Quick Hacks for Independence at Home
“Help me help myself”
Stools that can be easily moved around for your child to reach light switches, sinks for hand washing, shelving in the closet or bookshelf, kitchen countertops, etc.
Make it stand out
Low hooks by the door for your child to hang jackets and backpacks when arriving at home. Create a Child Entry Way.
add loops to your child’s jacket tag so they can easily hang on the hook
Low shoe shelf or shoe basket by the door for your child to place shoes
3 low drawers in their bedroom that hold all clothes. Filter clothes out by season so your child can still exercise choice but with appropriate options.
Small laundry hamper in the bedroom so your child can discard soiled clothes at the end of the day, and contribute to laundering chores at a later time. More on creating an accessible Child Bedroom here.
In the bath, your child may practice washing a baby doll or bath animal, scrubbing the whole body using a washcloth with some soap on it. Your child can then try to wash their own body.
Demonstrate for your child how to blow your nose in front of the mirror. Encouraging your child to check to see if there is anything on their face after a meal or during flu season will foster self-awareness.
Set up your child's toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste so that your child may learn to brush his teeth. You can give a lesson on "brushing your teeth." Singing a song (Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle…) can mark the length of time needed to brush.