Children progress slowly but steadily towards self-sufficiency. This is especially evident during their early years of schooling, that is why it is so important to encourage your child to transition to child care with ease. “I can do it myself” is one of the most common phrases parents will learn from their children. This is primarily due to the fact that children are transitioning from toddlers to school-aged children. They are attempting to increase their independence and autonomy. By this age, the majority of children are capable of performing simple tasks on their own and making decisions about their preferences. They have a sense of independence in that they can control themselves and perform various actions.
How can parents help their child develop independence?
Experts have discovered that parents tend to gravitate towards two extremes, particularly during the early stages of a child’s development. Some parents find it difficult to give their children complete independence and instead over direct them. This can lead to a power struggle in which the child is unable to develop confidence and feels confined. On the other hand, parents may sometimes give their children a lot of power before they are ready, which can lead to overconfidence and a lack of trust in others. Such children frequently find themselves unable to ask for assistance, or they may mistake their mistakes for personal failures rather than seeing them as a learning opportunity. That is why it is important to enrol your child to our Brunswick child care centre , we care and help empower your child.
It can be difficult for parents to strike a balance between enforcing limits and allowing their children to make their own decisions. They may deny the children the opportunity and freedom to make choices, so you must follow your child’s lead and respond to their cues while also keeping an eye on them and exercising control when necessary.
When children are given the freedom to make decisions and feel in control, they are more likely to develop a sense of autonomy. These children are at ease and at ease in their surroundings.
7 Tips to encourage independence in children
- It is critical for parents to maintain a consistent schedule. Children who follow a routine can anticipate what will happen next. They have plenty of opportunities to practise the same skills over and over, as well as to take on more responsibilities for the steps in the routine and require less parental assistance. Try to establish a routine for bedtime, bathing, and getting ready in the morning.
- Toddlers are naturally helpful, but research shows that parents can influence their children’s helpfulness. This is due to the fact that they find it easier to complete the task on their own because it is faster, less messy, and less frustrating for parents. By assisting with cooking, laundry folding, and other household tasks, this sends a message to children that they can be trusted with these tasks and that they are capable of completing them. They not only learn new skills, but they also feel like they belong and are an important part of the family.
- They should be given the opportunity to take a few risks. This gives children the impression that they can be trusted, that they are capable, and that they are competent. Children learn self-regulation by monitoring and managing their own emotional levels, as well as becoming aware of their own limitations. As parents, we must ensure that the risks are developmentally appropriate and that we are present to encourage our children. Parents should be curious and ask their children about their plans, as well as assist them in assessing the risks, so that they can provide them with numerous learning opportunities.
- Another mistake that parents make is jumping in and not allowing their children to struggle. It is an issue that most parents are passionate about, especially when they notice their child is stressed. It’s tempting to jump in and save them from the difficult task at hand, but it’s important to give your child time to work through the problems and challenges on their own. This can help the child gain independence and confidence.
- However, this is not to say that children should not be allowed to struggle, but it is necessary for parents to be aware of when they need to intervene. Instead of jumping in to help them solve the puzzle right away, wait a few moments while they’re working on it. You can make suggestions or ask questions to assist them in solving the problem, but instead of doing everything for them, let them handle it on their own.
- Children, too, require healthy choices, and when parents provide age-appropriate options for their children, they feel empowered and in control. Giving children options for what to wear, eat, and play, which is one reason childcare can be beneficial to them. However, rather than giving your child complete freedom, it is critical that you provide them with the right option when giving them a choice.
- Allow your kids to take care of a few chores on their own. These activities allow children to gain independence and develop a sense of responsibility. When a child completes a chore, they are given a sense of accomplishment, which can boost their self-esteem. It also aids in the development of empathic individuals with a strong sense of belonging. Simple tasks such as setting the table or folding laundry can be done by even the youngest children.
