WiseTip: AL-INI-M0818-G01A

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Approaches to Learning

Promoting Initiative

Provide opportunities for your baby to feed themselves some finger food or to hold their own cup to drink.

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Warshaw, S.P. (2006) Help…at home: Developmental Support and information handouts for families with infants and toddlers birth to three (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: VORT Corporation.
Branscomb, K. R., & Goble, C. B. (2008). Infants and toddlers in group care: Feeding practices that foster emotional health. YC Young Children, 63(6), 2833.

WHY IT MATTERS

Initiative can be developed through daily meal routines. During everyday mealtimes, children encounter helpful problem-solving decisions and practise habits which build independence. Allowing children to self-feed, help set tables, prepare meals, serve meals and clean up can foster the child’s growing needs for independence and autonomy.

Warshaw, S.P. (2006) Help…at home: Developmental Support and information handouts for families with infants and toddlers birth to three (2nd ed.). Palo Alto, CA: VORT Corporation.

Expect messiness during mealtimes as children are developing their motor skills as they learn to feed themselves.

Branscomb, K. R., & Goble, C. B. (2008). Infants and toddlers in group care: Feeding practices that foster emotional health. YC Young Children, 63(6), 2833.