Everyday Nora is starting to look and act less like a baby and more like a toddler. As much as that breaks my heart, it also means we are reaching new levels of independence.
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Now that Nora can easily drink from a glass {see how we introduced the weaning cup,} it's time introduce the next step -- pouring her own water. For now, I've started just at snack time in the afternoons. Usually, Henry is still in quiet time, so I have the ability to just focus one-on-one. I started by preparing a small tray -- with a cup and a small pitcher. There was around 1 ounce of water in the pitcher to start.
First, I sat next to her and demonstrated the pour. Slowly placing my fingers between the pitcher and cup and pouring into the glass. Then, drinking from the glass itself. After I demonstrated, I asked Nora if she wanted a turn. She immediately drank from the pitcher. So, I refilled the pitcher {from our fridge} and showed her again.
This time, she tried to pour! And completely missed! Then, missed again and again. But, she was so focused. Fill the pitcher, pour the pitcher. Fill the pitcher, pour the pitcher. Every few tries she would get a little water in the cup and relish the sip! I just sat back, snapping some pictures and helping to fill the pitcher.
I didn't offer praise or "help." I just sat back and gave her space to work. This wasn't about mastering pouring that day, or any day soon. It was about giving her independence and space to exert it.
When her interest started to wane, we got a rag to wipe up the water. And, I put the tray away. It was lovely, and we are repeating each afternoon! Tips for starting on your own --
- have the child wear an apron, Nora was soaked by the end
- use small amounts of water to keep spills to a minimum, and a tray with sides to contain the water
- keep it low pressure, it's really not about pouring perfectly
- resist your urge to step in and "help"
- involve your child in the clean up, that way wiping spills becomes second nature
Have you introduced pouring to your baby or toddler? How did it go?
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