Skill
Shows Confidence in Own Abilities
Toddler shows and shares new skills, seeking encouragement from familiar people.
Ages 6–36 months
Why it matters
Confidence grows when a child tries something, succeeds, and shares it with a caring adult who delights in them. Showing "look what I can do" and attempting things by oneself builds the agency and persistence behind lifelong learning.
Builds toward this milestone
- shows confidence in own abilities through relationships with others. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Draws an adult's attention to a new skill or accomplishment and attends to their response.
- Attempts tasks independently, such as putting on a jacket or pouring from a small pitcher.
How to observe it
- Does the child seek out an adult to show a new skill?
- Does the child try to do things by themselves and show pride when they succeed?
Accessibility
- Celebrate effort and attempts, not just success, with specific warm feedback.
- Offer "just-right" challenges and adapted tools so every child can experience mastery.
Activities
Evidence
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (4th ed.) — National Association for the Education of Young Children · 2022 · National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Early Atlas