During toddlerhood, what strategy can parents use to encourage autonomy?

During toddlerhood, fostering a sense of autonomy is crucial for healthy development. Offering choices in daily activities empowers toddlers by allowing them to make decisions, which promotes independence and self-esteem. This age is characterized by a developmental drive toward autonomy, and giving toddlers options helps them experiment with their growing abilities and asserts their preferences. For example, allowing a child to choose between two snacks or deciding what shirt to wear engages their decision-making skills and strengthens their sense of control over their environment.

In contrast, limiting choices could stifle a toddler's sense of agency and lead to frustration or resistance. Frequent corrective feedback might make a child feel discouraged rather than confident, which can hinder their willingness to explore and learn. Similarly, providing only guided tasks restricts their opportunity to practice independence and may inhibit the development of self-reliance. Therefore, offering choices is the most effective strategy for encouraging autonomy during this important developmental stage.