In the Montessori approach, independence is a cornerstone of the child’s development, and for toddlers, every new skill—whether it’s buttoning their shirt, feeding themselves, or putting their toys away—contributes to their growing sense of self-confidence and autonomy.

So, how do we, as parents and caregivers, encourage and support this growing independence? Let’s dive in and explore practical ways to help toddlers build autonomy through simple tasks, while respecting their need for choice and freedom in daily routines.