Practical ways to help your little one thrive by doing it “all by myself”
There’s something magical about the toddler phase. Their motor skills, language, and emotional awareness are all developing at light speed—and with that comes a bold and beautiful desire to do it themselves.
“I can do it!” becomes a daily (sometimes hourly) declaration.
And you know what? They’re right.
This is the perfect time to encourage your toddler’s independence. And one of the best ways to support that growth isn’t through constant instruction or hands-on help. It’s by setting up your home in a way that lets them access their world on their own terms. That means things at their size, within reach, and designed for success.
Let’s walk through a few easy ways to create an independence-friendly home, room by room.
The Bathroom: Set Up for Potty and Personal Care
The bathroom can be a huge source of pride for toddlers, especially when potty training begins.
Instead of relying on a full-sized toilet with a wobbly seat insert, try a floor-level toddler potty. These little potties are just their size, and more importantly, they give your toddler the ability to use the bathroom independently. They can pull down their pants, sit down safely, and (eventually!) wipe and pull back up without needing help.
Some parents go for toddler-sized vanities, but that feels like a stretch for me. A simple step stool and a faucet extender do the trick beautifully. With those two tools, your child can brush their teeth and wash their hands all by themselves. It’s not fancy, but it works, and it gives them that confidence boost every time.
The Closet: Clothes They Can Reach
Let’s talk morning routine. If you’ve ever wrestled with a toddler over what to wear, you’re not alone. One solution? Give them more ownership.
Child-sized clothing racks are such a game-changer. Many even come with shelves for shoes or accessories. You can help your child pick out an outfit the night before and hang it on their rack, right at their level. In the morning, they can grab it, dress themselves (or at least try!), and feel so proud of being in charge.
It may not match. There may be backward shirts and inside-out socks. But the pride they feel? Worth it.
Sleep Space: Safe and Independent Rest
Floor beds or toddler beds are another powerful way to support independence. Instead of being stuck in a crib waiting for help, your child can get in and out on their own, building confidence in their sleep routine.
A cozy, safe sleep space they can access freely is a small shift that makes a big impact. It also helps reinforce the idea that their space belongs to them—it’s not something they’re “stuck” in, but something they have control over.
Play & Learning: Designed for Doing
Playtime is where independence really shines. Here are a few things we’ve added to make our home more toddler-ready:
- Montessori-style bookshelf: Front-facing shelves that let your child see all the book covers and choose what they want to read (or flip through on their own).
- Toy cubbies: Low shelves or bins where toys are sorted and within reach. This not only encourages independent play, but also helps kids learn to clean up after themselves.
- Toddler table and chairs: A small space just for them—perfect for coloring, crafts, and snack time.
- Child-sized vacuum: Yes, a real one! Toddlers love vacuuming. If they’re going to copy you anyway, why not give them a working version and let them help? Mine feels so proud when he vacuums his own space. Is it spotless? No. But is it adorable and productive? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Progress
The theme here is simple:
Get things at their size, their level, and let them do it.
Will it be messier? Slower? Occasionally chaotic?
Of course.
But every time your toddler pulls up their pants, chooses a book, or puts on their own socks (even upside down), they’re building life skills, confidence, and resilience. These little acts of independence may seem small to us, but they are huge to them.
So, if you’re in this magical (and sometimes maddening) toddler phase, know this: creating a home that works with your child instead of around them makes all the difference. It doesn’t take fancy tools or expensive setups, just a little creativity, a bit of rearranging, and a lot of cheering them on as they try.
Because “I can do it!” is more than a phrase.
It’s a promise of what they’re becoming.