Repeat the challenge, then make it harder – learning through trial and error

What to try 

• Create some repeated challenges for your toddler.  
• Start off with simple challenges, such as hiding toys under a plastic container and watching to see whether your toddler can get them out.  
• Repeat the challenge a few times on different days so that they get an opportunity to draw on their past experiences. 
• Build up the challenge as appropriate: you could hide toys in places that are initially within your toddler’s hand's reach, then increase the challenge by providing tools such as sticks, spoons and long items to reach them.  
• Give your toddler time to experiment with the tools. 
• Notice whether they try something new for themselves. 

Good to know 

Repeating the same challenges helps to strengthen your toddler's problem-solving abilities and their resilience. They will be inspired to take on new tasks, having faced and overcome difficulties.