During this level your child may start to show they want to do more for themself. Self-help skills tend to develop without our awareness of how they are shaped by the child’s growing independence and how we respond to that.

Some children show less of this independence and initiation. In that case, it’s even more important for the adult to be a mediator and help the child try to do more for themself.

Today’s activity: Allow your child to sometimes take the lead in daily activities like dressing and feeding. Share objects, take turns, wait, point, give just enough assistance to let them take the next act in the process.

Use these charts as a checklist for your child's progress.

Send your questions to [email protected].

Visit www.TheInteractionCoach.com to see the directory of speech-language pathologists licensed in your area. If you can’t find one in the directory, contact me at [email protected] and I’ll track down someone for you.