Bedtime Activity: 30-36 Months

Continue a consistent bedtime routine with your toddler. Children this age thrive on routine and don't want it to change. When reading, continue to ask him more challenging questions like, "'Why do you think he did that?" Children this age love to share their ideas! As you settle down for the evening, ask him if he can follow a 2- or 3-step related direction. For example, after bathtime, ask him to pick up his shirt and put it in the dirty clothes hamper. Another good example is to ask him to get his toothbrush and toothpaste, and put the toothpaste on the brush. You can also use this time to ask him to choose his outfit for the next morning. Present him with a few options for shirts, pants, etc. and allow him to choose what he wants to wear.

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• If your child is still having difficulty following verbal directions, try the Tell-Show-Do technique. To use this strategy, first give your child a verbal direction. Then, if he doesn’t respond or seems confused about what you are asking her to do, repeat the direction but this time pair it with a gesture. For example, if you are asking him to put his shirt in the hamper, point to the hamper as you say, “Put your shirt in.” After this, you may find that he understands and does it on his own. If he still seems confused or resistant, repeat the direction with gesture, but this time help him pick up the shirt using gentle hand-over-hand assistance (i.e., you place your hand over his and physically help him pick up the shirt and put it in the hamper).

• If your child struggles with answering "why" questions, offer your own opinion rather than asking a direct question. Children will often be more willing to share their opinions along with yours rather than if they are confronted. For example, you might comment, "Hmm... I think she is sad because she lost her toy."

• Provide opportunities for your child to practice getting on and off of his bed when it's not bedtime. He can learn to get off bed by rolling onto stomach and scooting off, feet first, with his chest leaning onto bed. This is a safer way to get down.

Tips

If your child already easily follows a 2-step related direction, see if he can follow a 2-step unrelated direction. An example of this would be, "Put your shirt in the hamper and then go choose a book from the shelf." When allowing him to pick out his own clothes, make sure you present him with clothing choices that are seasonally appropriate. If you allow him to sift through his drawer, he may find something like shorts, for example, that you don't want him to wear in the winter. Do your best to avoid unnecessary power struggles by giving him choices within reasonable limits.

Family Handout

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