Children should desire activities that are joyful, even if that may look different for every child.  Children should display curiosity for their environment and all that is within the space. Children should feel comfortable and safe in their environment(s), whenever possible. Through this process of critically thinking about space(s), you are able to make appropriate modifications. Based upon your observations, you are actually: removing hazards, temptation, and further safeguarding the space. Through this process, you are making the space more independently usable for your child’s enjoyment AND, for YOURS TOO! Hero, for the WIN! A Yes! Space supports the concept of “Freedom within Limits” and should empower your child.

Hero HINT Revisited: Prior to modifying anything in your environment, observe your child and his interests or the curiosity he displays in each space. 

As you review the areas of your home, consider these questions: 
1. How can my child be independent in this space? 


2.  What am I willing to do or change to encourage independence in this space? 


3.  Are their areas of my home that I would prefer to maintain in such a way that they are not Yes! Space? How will those areas be secured?


Kitchens and Bathrooms:
Cabinets - Are there cabinets that you are comfortable with your child opening? Are there cabinets that you would feel more comfortable securing? Are there items in any of the cabinets that you are uncomfortable with your child having access to that could be moved to a higher location or placed in a secured container? When your child opens the cabinets, will he find any of his own belongings? If so, how are they stored? Do you want him to keep his belongings a particular way?

Garbage cans - Does the child know what a garbage can is used for in this space? Is the child able to use the garbage can properly? What items in the space will the child be able or allowed to place into the garbage can? Does the garbage can have an open top or is it one with a lid or even a lid with a lever? Would you consider modifying the current garbage can and updating with one that better meets your child’s needs?

Shelves - Do you have any tall shelving units? Can these units be secured to the wall?  Do you have any shorter shelves? Are they “climbable”? Would you mind if someone with little feet used the shelf as a climbing wall or a launching pad?

Toilets and Practicing - How early would you consider placing a small, child-sized “potty” in your bathroom space? In my experience, simply by placing a child-sized “potty” in your child’s space, could encourage him to develop some level of comfort and familiarity with, and even curiosity about its purpose. If you're the “ready to take a risk type of hero”, you may consider allowing your young child to use a step stool in combination with a special toilet seat topper (that reduces the size of the toilet bowl seat opening to make it more conducive for little bottoms) and you might then see that with some assistance, your little love will make his way to using the “potty” successfully. Check out more information on “Toilet Learning” for the very young in the article: “Untangled Toilet Learning.”

Sinks and Steps stools - Part of our lives every day involves washing our hands. It's one of the “key” ways that heroes fend off germs and defend their health. How are your child’s hands cleaned? Do you prefer wipes, hand sanitizer, or good ‘ole soap and water?  What is the process? The expectation? Do we clean our hands before and after we eat food? Do we clean our hands after using the bathroom? Playing outside? Leaving school? Whatever the expectation is in your household, consider how your child could take more ownership over the process. Can he reach the sink or might he need a step stool or a faucet extender? Can he safely navigate the bathroom with the lights off? Can he reach the light switch? When considering the various components, don’t let it feel OVERWHELMING or DAUNTING! INSTEAD, envision your child confidently waking into the bathroom, turning on the light, safely making his way to the toilet, using the toilet, as intended, AND washing his hands.  Sounds like this HERO’S baby is growing up!

And, remember, DO NOT overhaul your WHOLE environment.  This is still YOUR home, but some SLIGHT modifications and simple repurposing of furniture and other items, could save you a lot of hassle and frustration in the coming weeks, months, and years.  If you are able to implement SOME of these suggestions, then, you SAVED THE DAY, again! You're “getting good” at this! TAKE TIME TO REFLECT.

Be sure to check out the other 2 parts in this series: Part 1 and Part 3