Mental leap · Around 53–55 weeks
Mental Leap 8: Simple Routines
Around 12–13 months, your toddler may copy a simple routine, such as drinking from a cup or putting a toy away.
26 August 2026 · 2 min read · A Baby Bee Blossom family note
From our home
The Wonder Weeks calls this programs. A program means a few steps used to finish a simple job. Your toddler may copy how you use a cup, phone, brush or book.
What to expect
- Trying to use a cup, phone or book the right way.
- Copying a small part of an everyday job.
- Wanting a familiar routine to happen in the same order.
What can help
- Let them help with one safe step, such as putting socks in a basket.
- Show the action slowly, then give them a turn.
- Keep important routines short and familiar.
Sources behind this note
- The Wonder Weeks: leaps, fussy phases, and parent notes (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: milestones by 15 months (opens in a new tab)
Wonder Weeks is referenced where it shaped our family's way of noticing change. Baby Bee Blossom is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Wonder Weeks.