Encourage your child to sort objects during cleanup. Talk about what you’re doing: “All of the small lids go in the little bowl and the big lids go in the big bowl.” Then mix it up and ask them to put the small objects in the big bowl. You can also sort by shape or color.

See what your child is learning

Being able to group things by size or color is an important skill. When you switch the rules of the game, you’re helping them learn how to think flexibly, use self-control and not go on autopilot.


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