I’ve been meaning to set this up for several months but did not have a small mirror and was just generally procrastinating. Recently there has been a big surge in interest for all things care of self. He wants to dress himself, brush his hair, put some powder on and even wipe himself. It was time. I went grocery shopping today and picked up a mirror… not an ideal one but it will have to do for now. It was lovely to watch him use it almost as soon as it was set up.
I initially wanted to put it next to the toilet in the living room but I have recently moved his potty to that spot so it’s right by the work area. He can pull up a chair or just stand
It holds a small basket containing powder and a hair brush, a tissue box and a small mirror
He first checks his reflection
Decides he needs some powder. I have set it so that just one hole is open.
Put powder down, rub hands together and then rub it on your face.
Check reflection
Repeat process several times until…
Satisfied
Return powder to the basket and then take the brush and brush hair
Check reflection
Keep brushing until satisfied
He then put the brush back and I thought he was done but nope… time for more…
Powder
Except this time it goes on his just brushed hair!
He repeats several times checking his reflection each time
Decides he is done and runs off to…
Put some powder on daddy who is napping! Lol
I would have preferred a slightly bigger sturdier mirror but this will do until I find the perfect one. This entire set up cost me less that N1700 ($10) but is priceless in the self-confidence, self-esteem, body awareness, sense of independence and opportunities for cuteness overload it provides. See our other care of self -hand washing set-up Live a Good Life!
0 Comments
Helen · January 7, 2015 at 1:12 am
It looks like this is already a success! I love the photo sequence of him repeating the whole process. Self-care is such an exciting learning time for a toddler. Right now my daughter (2yrs,8m) is working on spitting out her rinse water after brushing her teeth, and gets to use our “real” toothpaste. Your last sentence about self-confidence etc. is just perfect!
nduoma · January 17, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Thank you Helen. We are in the sucks the toothpaste of the toothbrush stage. Lol!
amandactonmanda Acton · January 7, 2015 at 7:58 pm
I’ve also recently set up a space for my 17month old. She loves brushing hair and putting on hats/ alice bands etc. and then looking at herself in the mirror. Putting on cream after her bath and brushing teeth are also favourite activities right now.
Amanda Acton · January 7, 2015 at 7:59 pm
I’ve also recently set up a space for my 17month old. She loves brushing hair and putting on hats/ alice bands etc. and then looking at herself in the mirror. Putting on cream after her bath and brushing teeth are also favourite activities right now.
nduoma · January 17, 2015 at 12:30 pm
I love how the Montessori principles apply to children all over the world. We are definitely in the same stage. He loves everything that has to do with dressing himself including putting on cream and brushing his teeth. Thank you for your comment!