Developmental milestones for self-help and functional skills
As children grow and develop towards adulthood, they acquire various self-help and functional skills that enable them to become more independent and confident in their everyday lives. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping reach these important milestones.
Age 1-3 Years: BUILDING FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
During these early years, children are developing fundamental skills that set the stage for future independence.
SELF-HELP MILESTONES
Feeding: Around 1 year old, children can start holding and eating finger foods independently. As they approach 2 years old, they learn to use a spoon, scoop food, and drink from a cup with some assistance.
Dressing: Between 1 and 2 years old, children can begin to help with simple dressing tasks, such as pulling off socks or putting on a hat. By age 3, they can often take off their own clothes with minimal assistance.
Personal hygiene: By age 1, children can participate in handwashing with some assistance. As they approach 2 and 3 years old, they may begin to show an interest in brushing their teeth, although they still require help and supervision.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
- Encourage self-feeding by providing a variety of finger foods that are easy to grasp, like soft fruits and vegetables. • Offer child-friendly utensils, such as spoons with thick handles, to support their development of feeding skills.
- Make handwashing interactive and fun by using colourful soap and singing a handwashing song together.
- Introduce toothbrushing as aplayful activity by using a child-sized toothbrush and flavoured toothpaste.
Age 4-6 Years: DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE
At this stage, children are gaining more independence and are capable of performing various self-help tasks.
SELF-HELP MILESTONES
Dressing: At this age, children can usually dress themselves with minimal assistance. They can put on and take off their clothes, including socks, shoes, and simple outfits.
Personal hygiene: Children can toilet independently and are capable of brushing their teeth independently, although they still need some supervision and guidance. They can also wash their face and hands with less assistance.
Organisational skills: Around 4 to 5 years old, children begin to develop the ability to tidy up toys and belongings. They can start understanding the concept of keeping things organised.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
- Allow your child to choose their clothes and practice dressing themselves.
- Create a visual routine chart with pictures for brushing teeth, washing face, and using the toilet.
- Teach basic organisational skills by involving your child in cleaning up their toys and putting away belongings after playtime.
Age 7-10 Years: REFINING SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENCE
During this stage, children continue to refine their self-help and functional skills, becoming more responsible for their daily tasks.
SELF-HELP MILESTONES
Personal care: They can brush their hair, tie shoelaces, and button or zip up their clothes.
Mealtime skills: They can help with simple meal preparation, such as spreading butter on bread or pouring drinks.
Time management: They begin to understand and follow daily routines and schedules.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
- Encourage your child to take care of their personal hygiene independently, including brushing their hair and tying shoelaces.
- Involve them in age-appropriate meal preparation tasks, such as setting the table or mixing ingredients.
- Introduce a visual schedule or use a timer to help your child understand and manage their daily routines and responsibilities.
Age 11-14 Years: BUILDING INDEPENDENCE AND LIFE SKILLS
During adolescence, children develop more complex self-help and functional skills necessary for transitioning into adulthood.
SELF-HELP MILESTONES
Personal care: They can independently shower, groom themselves, and manage their personal hygiene.
Home management: They can assist with household chores like laundry, cleaning, and cooking simple meals.
Time management: They can independently manage their schedules, including completing homework and keeping track of appointments.
ACTIVITY IDEAS
- Encourage your child to take responsibility for their personal care routine, including showering, using deodorant, and managing their grooming needs.
- Teach them essential home management skills, such as doing laundry, tidying their room, and preparing simple meals.
- Help your child develop time management skills by using a planner or digital calendar and assisting them in prioritising tasks and activities.
By understanding the milestones for self-help and functional skills at different ages, parents can actively support their child’s development and promote independence. Incorporating simple activities into daily routines can provide valuable opportunities for children to practice and master these essential skills. However, it is important to notice that every child develops at their own pace, so it’s important to remember that these milestones are general guidelines. Some children may reach these skills earlier or later than others. Seeking guidance from a qualified occupational therapist can be beneficial in addressing specific challenges or concerns along the way.
by, Occupational Therapy Helping Children. Occupational Therapy Helping Children is a specialist team of occupational therapists in Sydney’s Frenchs Forrest dedicated to helping children thrive, offering one on one supports, as well as parent workshops and teacher training sessions. occupationaltherapy.com.au
