As parents, one if the most important goals is to raise an independent and self-reliant child. Of course, they still have to rely on you in their early development stage. They depend on you for nourishment, cleaning and also mobility. As your children grow older, they will become more]independent. This process of growth will prepare your child for any demands of adulthood.
However, we as parents fall into the trap of helping our children with their daily tasks. So, how can we do to help them be more independent in their life?
Here are some strategies that you can help your child to be more independent:
1. Create an independent environment
Create an independent environment for your children. Let them help themselves and do not help them unless they are tired.
2. Let go
Show confidence in your child’s ability. Let them pursue their own goals, and this is the biggest act of love you could ever give to your child. This way, your child will appreciate you for having trust in him or her.
3. Acknowledge accomplishment
Praise your child for their achievement. This can be completing a task on their own, regardless of big or small. If you praise them, they will always find ways to impress you even more.
4. Learning opportunity
Parents rob their child’s learning opportunities by constantly doing things for them. Every experience is a learning opportunity for your child, and it might be something they find interesting even if you don’t. For example, cleaning up their own toys can help increase their organising skill development.
5. Teach them life skills
Start from home. Give your children the opportunity to pick up basic skills through house chores. Practising everyday skills can help them be more independent.
A child does not become independent overnight. This is a gradual process and the older they get, the more they realise that they are separate individuals. We all want our children to grow up and become independent adults, and the greatest gift a parent can pass on to any child is independence. Your child will be more confident and will feel empowered when they are independent.
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