It takes a long time for any child to learn a new skill. Families must find convenient opportunities for learning and practice. Many self-help skills arc usually learned through visual imitation. It is easier to teach a skill like tying shoes when you are sitting behind the child. Your hands will fit naturally over his and they will be oriented in the same direction.
Failure is an important part of learning.
It motivates us to pay closer attention and to try harder next time. Two qualities which the adult world stresses are independence in self-care skills and good social skills. The instruction of self-help skills is easily overlooked. We assume the family will teach these skills, but they need support, encouragement, and instruction on how to teach some of these skills. The child needs security and frequent opportunity to practice.