You Pull the Last Bit

What you need

• their shoes

How to do it

1. Sit your toddler down and undo the fastenings yourself.
2. Ease the shoe back off the heel so it's hanging on the toes.
3. Say 'you pull' and let them take it the rest of the way off.
4. Do the same with the other one, and let them drop both in the shoe basket.

Why it matters

Doing the hard part for them and leaving the easy last bit means they finish the job every single time, and finishing it is what makes them want to do more of it tomorrow.

What they're learning

Finishing the job

The last step is the one that feels like success, which is exactly why it's the one to hand over first.

Pull strength

Getting a shoe past the toes takes a proper two-handed pull, and that's real work at this age.

Reaching their own feet

Bending forward to their foot and staying upright while they pull is balance as much as it is hands.

What to look for

Watch for them reaching for the second shoe themselves once the first one's off.

A tip

Hand back one step at a time. When the last pull is easy, stop easing the heel and let them try that bit instead.

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