Turn the Tap

What you need

• soap
• a hand towel

How to do it

1. Stand your toddler on their step at the sink.
2. Show them which tap is the cold one and let them turn it on themselves.
3. You set the temperature if the water needs warming.
4. When the wash is done, let them turn it off again.

Why it matters

Turning a tap on and off is a proper two-handed twist, and being the one who starts and stops the water makes the whole wash feel like theirs.

What they're learning

Twisting and turning

A tap needs grip and a rotating wrist, which is different from anything a toy asks for.

Starting and stopping

Being in charge of the water at both ends bookends the job nicely.

Getting there themselves

Reaching, turning and washing without being lifted is most of the independence.

What to look for

Watch for them turning it off without being asked. That's the end of the routine arriving on its own.

A tip

The cold tap is theirs; the hot one isn't. Check the temperature yourself before their hands go under, and stay with them while they're up on the step.

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