Teaching kids all the skills they need to be independent like brushing their teeth or tying shoelaces can be a challenge. The pandemic has only made it even more challenging and stressful. As parents we all want our kids to be independent as possible, it improves their life skills and makes our days a bit easier when kids can get their self-care needs taken care of, confidently.
I visited Texas Today on NBCDFW to share some great strategies that will reduce stress at home while promoting your child’s independence. These simple tips will help your kids be more independent and confident in their daily living skills, hopefully making everyone’s day a little easier and more productive.
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon where, if you purchase them, I may get a small commission, at no cost to you.
1. Britebrush
This smart toothbrush helps kids brush their teeth in a fun way by offering guidance and feedback on brushing technique, while entertaining kids for the full 2 minutes of suggested brushing. Parents can check their progress using the parent light. There are 3 types of brushes: BriteBrush Elmo, BriteBrush Baby Shark and the GameBrush.
2. Oxo Tot Step Stool
Don’t just use a step stool to turn water on/off at the sink for hand washing and toothbrushing, put the stool up against the wall and have kids sit on the stool, rather than stand, when putting on pants, shorts, socks and shoes to make dressing easier.
Buy OxoTot Step Stool on Amazon
3. Smart Knit Socks
These soft, seamless socks with no heel make it easy to put on and take off socks, without kids complaining about the texture. They also include moisture wicking material that wards off stinky smells.
Buy Smart Knit Socks on Amazon
4. Lock Laces
Tying shoelaces can be a chore and some kids just are not ready. Turn any shoe with laces into a slip-on using lock laces.
5. Munchkin 360 Miracle Sippy Cup
Want kids to learn how to drink out of an open cup, but not interested in tons of liquid messes annoyed with spills? The Munchkin 360 cup is a no-spill sippy cup. There are color changing cups, so you know if the liquid inside, like milk, is no longer cold.
Buy Munchkin 360 Miracle Sippy Cup on Amazon
6. The Wet Brush
Kids avoid showers and baths because they don’t like their hair combed or brushed because of knots and tangles. The Wet Brush helps kids brush their own hair with fewer tears, and less tangles.
If you also watched the segment and are interested in purchasing my book: Wired Differently: A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges, you can also buy it on Amazon.