Button up, We have a long journey ahead

Mastering a task isn’t a simple feat, especially for your little one who is just beginning to grasp it. As the adults around them, we can provide a supportive environment to bolster their journey towards independence. Here are some tips for you:

Create a Distraction-Free Environment

A calming environment with minimal distractions, such as noise or a busy crowd, gives your child space to think and learn while carrying out the task. This sets the stage for better skill acquisition.

Break a Big Task Down into Small Steps

Think about learning to drive. Most of us start with step-by-step guidance from an instructor, progressing from understanding the functions of each pedal to mastering turns and maneuvering roundabouts. Similarly, breaking down a task into manageable steps aids your little one in acquiring the skills needed for each stage. With your encouragement, your child will triumph in completing the task, gaining a strong sense of accomplishment. Remember, making mistakes is a vital part of the learning process, and skills acquired through practice and learning from mistakes are proven to be better retained than those learned through physical prompts.

Use Gentle Guidance and Prompts:

For younger children, visual and verbal prompts can be invaluable in reminding them of the steps needed to complete a task. You might have come across tools like visual schedules for children. These tools provide a clear sequence of the task steps, aiding children in navigating the task. Implementing a visual chart or schedule in your child’s room is a great starting point to build their independent dressing skills.

Incorporate Skill Practice into Daily Routines:

The best way for them to learn is by practicing skills in real-life situations. For example, practicing dressing and buttoning when it’s time for your child to get dressed (before school or heading out for a playdate) is highly beneficial. While practicing, try to minimise direct assistance. Encourage your child to explore and learn from the experience of completing the task. Different children come with different learning progress. Take getting dressed in the morning as an example. If your child finds it stressful, try practicing on a weekend to alleviate time pressure.

Celebrate Small Achievements:

Celebrate even the smallest achievements. It’s perfectly acceptable for children to seek assistance for some steps while completing the majority of the task themselves. Encourage family members to join in and support your children as they learn new skills.

Start Them Young:

Skills acquired during one task CAN be transferred to others. This means the organisational skills your little ones develop while gathering clothes, underwear, socks, and trousers during dressing will also benefit them in learning how to pack their schoolbag. Allowing your child to practice these skills at a young age sets the stage for developing independence as they grow.

Addressing Challenges:

Research indicates that children not performing at an expected level may be experiencing challenges related to motor skills, cognitive skills, or sensory processing skills. If you have concerns about your child’s development, consulting your GP or a local Pediatric Occupational Therapist can provide valuable insights and suggestions.

Thank you for dedicating your time to reading this article.

Wishing you a enjoyable time in supporting your child or little clients as they develop valuable skills and independence. It’s a journey that may be lengthy, but one that promises rich rewards.

Stay tuned for more useful strategies and information coming your way!