A Montessori Teacher Explains How to Use a Helper Tower to Enhance Toddler Independence
Imagine a 2-year-old using a toddler tower to happily chop zucchini for dinner. Before I heard of the Montessori method, this scene may have made me nervous. But now, as a mom of three and a former Montessori teacher, this example of independence makes sense.
Making space for independence with tools like standing towers is a game-changer. In doing so, we help meet one of the greatest needs of young children. How can you harness the power of a helper tower to support your little one's growing independence while also keeping them safe? Read on to learn everything you need to know about this popular Montessori-inspired trend.
What Is a Toddler Tower?
A toddler tower is a special step stool designed for young children to reach counter height. Also known as a helper tower, a toddler tower features a safety rail and a large standing platform. Offering greater independence, a tower means your child can safely perform simple tasks. From making snacks to helping prepare meals and washing hands, a tower makes independence achievable.
At Piccalio, we offer two types of Toddler Towers, including our space-saving Foldable model and our Convertible tower. Our Foldable Toddler Tower has an adjustable height that you can change as your child grows.
The Convertible Toddler Tower turns into a table and chair. Your child can go from mini chef to dining in style with a quick switch.
How Do Toddler Towers Relate to Independence?
You may wonder why people bother with a Toddler Tower. As a mom, I can tell you it's easier than holding your 18-month-old on your hip or having them grab at your legs while you try to cook.
Toddlers want to participate. They want to be with you every minute of the day. But even more than that, they want independence.
Toddler Independence
Independence is a prominent developmental goal for toddlers. When your child says, "Me do it!" or "All by myself!" or even "no!", they're asserting their independence.
When developing her education method, Dr. Montessori noticed that young children work hard to achieve independence. She also noticed that children were happier when given the chance to do what we usually consider "grown-up" work. So, she created a curriculum area called "practical life" that helps children achieve skills for independence, like cleaning, eating, dressing, and more.
Today, toddler independence is firmly recognized as a developmental stage. While some may refer to signs of asserting independence as the "terrible twos" or "threenager," it's an important milestone. The Oklahoma State Department of Health explains, "Children need this stage of independence so that they can develop into people who know what they want and can think for themselves."
Signs that your child is entering a period of asserting independence include:
- More frequent tantrums
- Saying "no" or showing signs of negativity
- Pushing boundaries
By offering your child opportunities for independence, you can fulfill their needs, which can reduce these more challenging behaviors.
Supporting Your Toddler's Independence in the Kitchen
The kitchen is a wonderful place to encourage your child to embrace independence. Making your kitchen toddler-friendly is a great place to start.
You can encourage independent tendencies in your toddler in your kitchen by:
- Using a Toddler Tower
- Keeping child-friendly dishes and kitchen tools in a low cupboard
- Creating a water station so your child can serve themself a glass of water whenever they want
- Including a child-sized table and chair (often called a weaning table)
- Encouraging your child to prepare their own snacks
- Involving your child in chores
- Keeping child-friendly cleaning supplies easily available
How to Use a Toddler Tower to Support Independence
Wondering how to get started?
Introducing a Toddler Tower to your little one can start with an invitation to connect. You don't need a specific task for your child. Invite them to step up on the tower and watch as you prepare a meal.
When my own children were toddlers, they often initiated what they wanted to do, grabbing the spoon out of my hand. I encouraged them to help with a variety of cooking and baking tasks. Some favorite Toddler Tower activities together include:
- Stirring batter (cake, pancakes, muffins, etc.)
- Making shapes with bread dough
- Chopping soft foods like bananas, strawberries, and cucumbers
- Wiping counters
- Washing dishes
- Whisking eggs
- Rolling and cutting cinnamon rolls
- Cleaning up a spill
As your child gains confidence, you can show them more and more complex tasks, such as:
- How to make a snack of fruit kebabs
- How to prepare their own fruit and yogurt parfait
- Preparing a snack of crackers and cream cheese
- How to make scrambled eggs
Although you should always supervise your child, it's essential to slowly allow them to do more and more independently.
Research shows that constant, excessive guidance and instructions (often called 'helicopter parenting') can have a negative impact on children. Too much intervention and hovering sends the message that your child is incapable, causing anxiety and poor emotional regulation.
On the flip side, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America says independence results in less anxiety and more confidence.
Independence is something children gain slowly over time. For example, if you have a toddler, you don't give them a sharp knife. Instead, you can give them a wooden knife. But practicing with a wooden knife at two means that when they're six or seven, they're ready for a sharp knife.
So, bring on the splashes and spills. It's time to build some independence!
Looking for more activities for your fiercely independent toddler? Try these Montessori chores for kids.
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