Child development chart: Life skills

Ross Woods, 2012, rev. 2021, adapted from Community Services Training Package

This chart was first developed for childcare workers. It might not always be suitable for other purposes.

Relevant life skills related to their physical abilities vary with the child's age/stage of development:

Toddlers • Toileting
• Eating independently
• Care of own possessions
• Preparing drinks
• Sun safety practices
3 to 5 year olds • Nutrition
• Meal time
• Dressing and undressing
• Selecting clothes to wear
• Fastening shoes
• Washing hands
• Who to turn to for assistance
• Bathing
• Doing up/undoing shoes
• Putting away bedding
• Making choices
6 to 12 year olds • Responsible for care of own possessions
• Knowing when to act and when to wait
• Decisions regarding use of pocket money on excursions, within parental guidelines and limits
• Who to turn to for assistance and advice
• Preparing snacks and drinks
• Care of own health and physical needs
• Basic cooking
• Relaxation
• Stress management
• Time management
• Prioritizing
• Nutritional needs