Access and independence
Participating in everyday life
When children actively participate in everyday life, they develop a sense of belonging, contribution and capability.
- Participation helps children develop a sense of belonging, competence and contribution.
- Everyday experiences provide meaningful opportunities for children to participate in family and community life.
- Children develop confidence when they are included in real and meaningful tasks.
- Participation supports independence, responsibility and agency.
- Being involved in everyday life communicates to children that they are valued members of their community.
Through a child's eyes...
“When I am included in everyday life, I know that I belong and that what I do matters.”
In everyday moments...
Children learn through participating in the real experiences that make up everyday life. Involvement in family routines, household tasks and community experiences helps children develop skills, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
Simple ideas to try
- Helping prepare meals.
- Shopping and running errands.
- Caring for pets and gardens.
- Participating in household routines.
- Contributing to community experiences and events.
Building through relationships...
Environments that invite participation communicate to children that they are capable contributors.
Simple ideas to try
- Create accessible environments that allow children to actively participate.
- Provide child-sized tools and equipment.
- Include children in caring for places and materials.
- Organise environments so children can contribute independently.
- Provide opportunities for children to take on meaningful roles and responsibilities.
Learning through play...
As children participate in everyday life, they learn to:
Simple ideas to try
- develop a sense of belonging and contribution
- build confidence and competence
- take responsibility and show initiative
- develop practical life skills
- strengthen relationships and connections
- see themselves as capable and valued members of their community
Creating supportive spaces...
Children are more likely to participate when adults value their contributions and create genuine opportunities for involvement.
Simple ideas to try
- Include children in real and meaningful tasks.
- Offer opportunities to contribute throughout the day.
- Value children's ideas and contributions.
- Focus on participation rather than perfection.
- Recognise effort, persistence and growing competence.
Supporting children across contexts...
At home ...
Simple ideas to try
- Include children in everyday household tasks.
- Encourage children to contribute to family routines.
- Invite children to participate in planning family celebrations, outings or daily routines.
- Provide meaningful responsibilities that match children's capabilities.
In early learning settings...
Simple ideas to try
- Involve children in setting up and packing away.
- Encourage children to contribute ideas and decisions.
- Provide meaningful roles and responsibilities.
- Create opportunities for children to participate in caring for the environment and community.
Try this today...
- Invite your child to help with a real household task.
- Ask your child for their ideas and suggestions.
- Identify one new way your child could contribute to everyday life.
- Acknowledge and celebrate your child's contributions.
- Reflect on how your environment encourages participation.