Teaching Independence

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For about 12 months now, your baby has depended on you for everything. Now, she's depending on you to help her become independent.

You've probably seen the signs: grabbing the spoon during meals, pulling her socks off right after you put them on, and turning the pages of her favorite book.

Those are all the cues of independence, and they are completely normal. And while it may be frustrating and time-consuming to let her "do it herself," it will help your baby later if you give her a little independence now. As your older baby reaches this age of independence, here are a few tasks you can let her do by herself. But remember, even an independent toddler should never be left alone. So always stay within reach.

Let her brush her teeth with a toddler-sized toothbrush and Gerber Tooth and Gum Cleanser. Show your baby how you brush your own teeth, and she'll try to do the same. Don't expect perfection just yet. It's the learning that counts.

Let her wash her own hands.
Put a stool in front of the sink, let lukewarm water run slowly, and show your baby how to dispense liquid soap like Gerber Baby Moose Foaming Wash. (Bar soaps aren't a good idea yet because they're so slippery, and some actually look like little snacks to a one-year-old.) The thick foam makes washing hands fun.

Let her feed herself.
You've probably been letting your baby get a handle on finger foods. Now is a good age to let her experiment with spoon-able foods. Thick foods work best, so try baby's favorite yogurt thickened with Gerber® Baby Cereal or try Gerber® Graduates® Microwave Meals. Give her a couple of baby spoons and let her go. Don't be surprised if she tries to eat these foods by the handful. Just be ready for the mess with lots of wipes and, of course, lots of love.

Let her clean up her toys.
If you're lucky, she'll think it's all in good fun. Sing a clean-up song every time you do it, and before you know it she'll be singing along with you. Life with a toddler who insists on doing things for herself can be exhausting. It would be faster for you to wash her, feed her and dress her, but in the long run, you'll be glad you taught her so much at this early age. So for now, praise her accomplishments, allow extra time for independent tasks, resist the temptation to help, and take lots of pictures.

Source: 2007 www.gerber.com

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