Help with a Younger Sibling (An Adult at Home)
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What you will learn
- 1Help a younger child play, read and get ready
- 2Keep small things that could choke a baby or toddler out of reach
- 3Explain which jobs belong only to the adult
- 4Get the adult right away when a child is hurt, upset or in danger
Mini Lesson
Younger brothers and sisters often look up to you. You can be a big help to them and to your family. The most important rule is simple: an adult is always at home and in charge, and you are the helper. Helping well means being patient, kind and careful, and knowing when to get the adult.
🏠 The Life Skills Way (step by step)
- PLAY TOGETHER: play a simple game, build with blocks or sing a song. Let the younger child choose sometimes.
- READ A STORY: read a picture book out loud, point to the pictures and ask, "What do you think happens next?"
- HELP THEM GET READY: help with socks, shoes or a jacket, and help tidy the toys away when play is over.
- KEEP SMALL THINGS AWAY: small things like coins, beads, buttons and tiny toy parts could choke a baby or toddler. Keep yours put away, and tell an adult if you see one on the floor.
- BE PATIENT: little children are slow and change their minds. Stay calm and speak kindly.
- GET THE ADULT: call the adult right away if the child is hurt, upset or in any danger.
🙋 Only the Adult Does These
- PICKING UP A BABY: never pick up a baby unless the adult says so and is right there.
- BATH TIME: never bathe a child or run a bath. That is always the adult’s job.
- FOOD AND MEDICINE: never give a younger child food, drinks or medicine without the adult.
- BEING IN CHARGE: the adult decides the rules, and the adult handles any problem.
An adult must always be at home and in charge when you help with a younger child. You are a helper, not the one in charge. Never pick up a baby or bathe a child unless the adult says so and is right there. Never give food or medicine. If the child is hurt, upset or in danger, call the adult right away.
Words to know
sibling
A brother or a sister.
e.g. My younger sibling loves the story about the bear.
toddler
A young child who is just learning to walk and talk.
e.g. The toddler wanted to build a block tower.
choking
When something blocks the throat so a person cannot breathe well.
e.g. Small beads are a choking danger for babies.
helper
Someone who helps but is not the one in charge.
e.g. I am a helper, and Mom is in charge.
in charge
The person who makes the rules and handles problems.
e.g. The adult at home is in charge.
patient
Able to wait and stay calm without getting upset.
e.g. I was patient while my sister tied her own shoe.
💡 Handy Tip: before you start helping, ask the adult, "What would you like me to do, and where will you be?" Then you both know the plan.
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