Self-Care Skills for a 6-Year-Old: What’s Typical and How You Can Help

Kids Inspired
12 hours ago
2 min read

By the time children turn six, they’re usually eager to “do it themselves.” This is an exciting stage—self-care skills help kids feel capable and confident, and they also make family routines run more smoothly.

Here are some of the everyday self-care skills many 6-year-olds are learning to master:

🌟 Getting Dressed

Putting on and taking off clothes by themselves.
Doing up zippers, snaps, and bigger buttons.
Beginning to tie shoelaces (this can take practice—Velcro shoes are still very handy at this age!).
Picking clothes that suit the weather, with a little reminder from you.

🌟 Bathroom and Hygiene

Using the toilet on their own and remembering to flush.
Washing and drying their hands well.
Brushing teeth with some supervision to make sure they’re doing a thorough job.
Washing their face and brushing or combing their hair with a bit of help.
Starting to wash themselves in the bath or shower, though they may need a hand with tricky spots like their back or hair.

🌟 Mealtime Independence

Eating neatly with a fork and spoon, and starting to use a table knife for soft foods.
Pouring drinks carefully from a small jug.
Opening lunchboxes, packets, and drink bottles.
Bringing their plate to the sink after meals.

🌟 Everyday Responsibilities

Packing their school bag with reminders.
Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
Tidying up toys and books.
Helping with small chores, like setting the table or feeding a pet.

💡 Tips for Parents

Be patient: It might take longer when kids do things themselves, but the practice is important.
Show and tell: Demonstrate new skills step by step, and let them copy you.
Use visuals: Picture charts can help kids remember routines like brushing teeth or getting dressed.
Celebrate effort: Praise their trying, not just the end result—this builds confidence.

🚦When to Look for Extra Support

Children all develop at different speeds, but if your 6-year-old avoids self-care tasks, becomes very upset when trying them, or seems to be finding them much harder than other kids their age, it might help to chat with an Occupational Therapist. Early support can make daily routines much easier and less stressful.

✨ Remember: Self-care is about more than just getting tasks done—it’s about helping your child feel independent, capable, and proud of what they can do!

Jophy Or - Occupational Therapist at Kids Inspired