Here’s What We’re Teaching Our Toddlers This Summer
10 Real-Life Skills to Practice This Summer
Whether you’re gearing up for full days at home or planning summer camp drop-offs and snacks on the go, one thing’s for sure: Summer shifts our days. The rhythm changes, schedules loosen, routines stretch, and suddenly, we find ourselves spending a lot more time together than usual. Am I right? It can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming.
But within that shift lies an opportunity or an invitation to slow down just enough to focus on the little things that truly matter.
There are everyday skills that aren’t just chores for toddlers to learn. They’re chances for them to practice, explore, and grow. Brushing teeth. Wiping spills. Picking out clothes. Helping with groceries.
This summer, we’re leaning into those moments. Because in these simple, everyday tasks, connection grows, confidence builds, and language happens. Kids begin to feel like they can do real things. Because they can.
So we’re keeping it simple and letting real life do the teaching. Here’s a list of 10 life skills to practice with your toddler, along with a printable checklist you can tuck into your planner or stick on the fridge.
Start where you are.
Pick a few that fit.
Let the rest go.
These small steps add up.
10 Life Skills for Toddlers
Plus tips to boost language along the way.
1. CHOOSING AN OUTFIT
Let your toddler pick between two options. Hold them up and label them out loud: “Green shirt or blue shirt?” If your toddler points or uses one or two words, that’s great! You can model an expanded version: “You want the green shirt!”
Why it matters: This simple choice gives your toddler a voice. It teaches autonomy in a safe way, and when you name what they choose, you’re building language and self-trust. These tiny decisions are practice for bigger ones down the road.
2. WASHING OR WIPING THEIR FACE
Try this after snacks or meals. Model it first: “I’m wiping my mouth.” Use the mirror and name parts of the face (ie. cheeks, chin, forehead) and concepts like wet/dry or clean/dirty.
Why it matters: There's something sacred in learning to care for your own body. These little routines help toddlers recognize themselves, literally and emotionally. You’re teaching more than hygiene. You’re helping them feel capable and known.
3. BRUSHING (OR FLOSSING) TEETH
Make it playful. Take turns being the dentist and the patient. Sequence the steps: “First we brush the top... next the bottom…” Introduce opposites like top/bottom, front/back.
Why it matters: Yes, I care that your teeth are clean. But what I’m really focusing on here is the rhythm and self care. The more fun you make it, the more your child learns: taking care of myself can feel good. And hey, don’t forget to smile.
4. WIPING UP A SPILL
Spills happen. Instead of jumping right in to solve the problem, say: “Hmm, I wonder what we can do.” Name the items and talk through the cleanup process.
Why it matters: Messes are moments too. When we let our kids participate in the cleanup, we invite them into ownership, not shame. In our home, we like to say, “it’s not a mess unless you’re working on it.” We’re teaching that mistakes are part of life, and we can always respond with care.
5. MATCHING SOCKS
Invite your child to help with laundry. Talk about size, color, and whether socks match. “You found a match!” “These are different.”
Why it matters: There’s something grounding about tiny tasks that connect us to the rhythms of home. Matching socks may feel small, but your toddler is learning patterns, persistence, and what it feels like to be helpful.
6. WASHING FRUITS AND VEGGIES
Let them help in the kitchen. “We’re washing strawberries. What else can we wash?” Talk about textures, colors, and shapes.
Why it matters: Washing produce becomes a sensory experience. Wet skin, cool water, slippery hands. In some ways, it’s a chance to marvel at the ordinary. It’s also a way to teach gratitude for the food we eat and where it comes from.
7. SETTING THE TABLE
Give them a “job” before meals like placing napkins or forks. Count out each item together: “One fork, two forks...” Talk about what each item is for.
Why it matters: When children contribute to shared routines, they feel a sense of belonging. It’s their table too. These small acts of service say: your presence matters here.
8. PUTTING AWAY GROCERIES
Let them carry a light bag or unpack something small. Sort what goes in the fridge vs. the pantry. Label foods and model teamwork: “Let’s work together!”
Why it matters: Inviting your toddler into real tasks shows them they’re capable. It’s not just about putting things away, it’s about growing up together, one bag of apples at a time. You’re not alone. You’re in good company.
9. WATERING PLANTS
Let your toddler help water a houseplant or garden. Use a small watering can and take your time. Talk about what plants need to grow (sun, water, and soil) and name parts like leaves, stems, or flowers.
Why it matters: In a world that often rushes us along, this is a slow moment. A gentle rhythm. Your toddler gets to see that their small hands can care for something and watch it grow. We may just be watering a plant, but we’re also noticing, tending, and learning that some of the best things take time. You’re planting more than seeds here, mom.
10. WASHING OUTDOOR TOYS
Grab the scooter, the dirt-covered dump truck, or that well-loved ball. Fill a bucket with soapy water, hand over a sponge, and let your toddler go to town. Narrate the moment with rich vocabulary: soapy, scrub, rinse, wet/dry, clean/dirty.
Why it matters: This is childhood at its best. The sun is on their back, water is dripping down their elbows. There are smiles and giggles all around. We may be cleaning toys, but we’re also letting real life feel like play. It’s about joy tucked into the ordinary. And those sudsy little hands? They’re learning and growing… right alongside you.
And there you have it, friends. This list isn’t exhaustive. It’s not even a to-do list. It’s an invitation.
To slow down.
To see the little moments for what they are. They’re opportunities to build language, deepen connection, and grow life-long skills.
Toddlers learn through hands-on play and meaningful routines. And those routines are already part of your day. Small things hold big potential.
Here’s to a fresh perspective and a few intentional steps. Grab your Toddler Life Skills Checklist. Stick it on the fridge, tuck it in your planner, or keep it close as a gentle guide through the weeks ahead.
Simple. Flexible. Rooted in real life.
You’ve got what you need.
And they’ve got you.
Let’s keep going. One small step at a time.
Heads Up!
Next week, we’re answering the top questions we get as SLPs! We would love to connect with you. If you’ve got a question, leave a comment to make sure yours is answered. No question is too small or too specific.
PS. If you liked today’s post, then you’ll love the Daily Routine Guide. It's filled with easy, play-based ways to support your toddler’s development through the routines you're already doing. Of course, there’s more.
It’s only $10.
Simple. Practical. Designed by SLPs.
Let this be your summer plan.
I love these ideas. I actually tried to do the socks matching but didn’t get the response I was aiming for …there is always next time! 😅
Great ideas! Such important life skills!