How to Teach a Preschooler to Pour a Beverage
Sure it’s faster to pour your child’s drinks yourself, but teach them how, and they’ll have a skill to be proud of – and one that will save you time.
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You Will Need
- A plastic pitcher with a wide mouth
- A plastic bowl
- Rice or dried beans
- A step stool
- Water
- Your child's favorite cup
- Patience
- A plastic tablecloth (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Fill the pitcher with solids
Fill the pitcher with half a cup of uncooked rice or beans so your child learns how to hold and maneuver it. Let them practice emptying the pitcher into the bowl.
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It’ll be easier for your child to pour if the bowl is at least at waist level, so have them stand on a stool while they practice.
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Step 2
Pour liquid
Once they can pour dry stuff without any spills, graduate to pouring a liquid. Put about half a cup of water into the pitcher for them to empty into the bowl.
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A plastic tablecloth under the bowl will make it easier to wipe up spills.
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Step 3
Switch to a cup
When your child has mastered pouring water into the bowl, let them try to hit a smaller target: their cup. Put a small amount of water in the pitcher and let them fill and refill their cup to their heart’s content.
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Step 4
Continue to use the pitcher
Keep that small pitcher filled with their beverage of choice – it’ll be hard for your child to handle a milk or juice container at first. Let them continue to practice their pouring – until one day they’ll be filling your orange juice glass.
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Did you know? In 1951, Swedish scientist Ruben Rausing developed a sealed, cardboard beverage box that did not require refrigeration, revolutionizing the way milk and juice were packaged around the world.
