Independence Day!

It's amazing how quickly little ones grow. Every time you look at them they seem to be doing something new or managing more and more by themselves. Encourage this by letting them take control of some things and helping round the house. Allow little ones to pick their own cutlery and plates from a low cupboard. Encourage them to lay their own place at the table. Or, let them to serve their vegetables themselves with a spoon.

Allow toddlers to choose their own clothes and even get dressed themselves. Rather than having arguments before you're off out in the morning, offer a selection of (suitable!) clothes the night before and lay the clothes out so they're all ready in the morning for your little one to put on.

If you've got pre-schoolers why not let them pour their own drinks with dinner. Offer them a small, half-full jug of water and an empty plastic mug and allow them to pour their own drink. Practice pouring carefully outside or in the bath! But, serving themselves will give them a feeling of independence and pride when the manage it themselves! And, someone willing to do a little bit round the house is always a good thing!