The Step Back, Step Up Kit

Help your child take ownership of everyday responsibilities

One task. A clear handover. More room to become capable.

You pack the schoolbag, find the shoes and remind your child about their lunch. Everyone gets out the door. But you have done most of the thinking.

It is understandable. Doing it yourself is often quicker.

Yet children need opportunities to practise remembering, planning and following through. The Step Back, Step Up Kit helps you begin handing over one everyday responsibility, with enough teaching and support for your child to learn.

Created by parenting educator Michael Grose, this practical Parenting Toolbox resource helps you decide what your child can begin managing, show them how, and gradually adjust your support.

Start with one ordinary task

Packing a schoolbag. Returning a lunchbox to the kitchen. Organising sports gear.

You do not need to overhaul family life. Choose one manageable responsibility and build from there.

A practical handover method

Show them. Demonstrate the task and explain your thinking.

Do it together. Let your child try the steps with you alongside.

Let them lead. Give them room to begin, remember and follow through.

Step back and review. Adjust your help as their skills grow.

The aim is growing ownership, with support that matches your child’s needs.

What is inside?

- A 12-page branded PDF with a practical parent guide and printable worksheets.

- A phone-friendly EPUB with adjustable text and a linked contents menu, for use in an ebook reading app.

- Two worked examples showing handovers for younger and older primary children.

- Parenting scripts when you want to replace repeated reminders or immediate solutions with opportunities to think.

- Troubleshooting for forgotten steps, refusal, frustration and rushed mornings.

- A flexible seven-day practice plan to help you begin.

- Three printable worksheets: a parent handover plan, a child’s checklist and a progress review.

What if my child needs more help?

Help is part of learning. Some children need pictures, repeated teaching, adapted equipment or ongoing prompts. The kit helps you consider what your child can manage and what support remains useful.

The seven-day plan is a place to start. Repeat steps or take longer when needed.

Who is it for?

Parents and carers of primary-school children who want to develop everyday independence, responsibility and initiative. Examples can be adjusted to your child’s skills and support needs.

About Michael Grose

Michael Grose is a parenting author and educator whose books include *Why First-Borns Rule the World and Last-Borns Want to Change It*, *Thriving*, *Spoonfed Generation* and the co-authored *Anxious Kids*.

He has delivered more than 2,000 parenting presentations internationally and regularly appears as a television and radio commentator. He was the first person to conduct a parenting seminar for Federal politicians at Parliament House, Canberra.

Choose one task. Teach it. Give your child room to take the next step.

Get the Step Back, Step Up Kit

Digital download. No physical item will be posted. For personal use within one household. The PDF worksheets are designed to be printed; they are not interactive forms.

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