Personal hygiene is essential for your child's well-being. Establish a consistent routine for activities like brushing teeth, combing hair, and washing hands. Use visual aids or create a checklist to make the process more manageable and rewarding for your child. Be aware of sensory sensitivities and don't just "push through".
Learning to independently manage bowels and bladder can be daunting for some children. Notice if your child has physical readiness. Model and teach the steps for toileting. Have a toilet step and rail or insert seat and step stool available. Create a comfortable, enticing toilet space. Break down each task into manageable steps including having a visual schedule to follow
Encouraging independence in daily tasks fosters self-esteem. Celebrate your child's achievements in getting organised, no matter how small, and offer plenty of encouragement and support as they navigate new challenges. Provide support when needed but pause and let them have a go first when possible.
Beyond basic daily tasks, practical life skills are invaluable for your child's future. Engage them in simple cooking activities to learn about food options, develop motor skills and promote teamwork. Encourage responsibility by involving them in household chores like organising belongings and tidying up shared spaces.
Help your child understand the concept of time by using visual schedules and timers. Establish consistent routines to provide structure and predictability, which can reduce anxiety and improve their ability to plan and organize tasks. Support your child to estimate how long a task will take, to build their skills in organising their time.