Independence is a life skill that can be hard for children and parents alike because it requires certain boundaries. Instead of closely supervising your child’s every move, focus on guiding their decision-making and reflecting on how to handle situations differently. The more comfortable and confident your child becomes, the more independence they’ll seek. Share on X

Fostering Independence

Doing things without the help of parents is a natural and essential part of growing up. But it can be challenging to know the best ways to make sure your child is getting the support they need to become confident and self-reliant.

Give Them Responsibilities

Chores are one of the easiest and most important ways to teach your child to be responsible and independent.  Just remember to set them up for success when completing these tasks. As you give your child age-appropriate responsibilities around the house, break them down into small, simple steps.

Let Them Make Mistakes

It’s natural to want to protect your child, but letting them make mistakes will teach the invaluable lesson of rewards and consequences. For example, if your child fails to do their chores, they will not get their allowance. While they may throw a fit, this is an important message to reinforce.

Encourage Problem Solving

When your child comes to you for help, offer suggestions instead of solutions. Be available to help guide your child through a brainstorming session, but avoid giving them the answer outright. It might take a bit of extra time, but this will help teach your child how to better solve problems on their own, instead of expecting you to solve it for them.

Preparing Them For School

Fostering independence is the best thing you can do to prepare your child for preschool or kindergarten. This will ease the separation anxiety and give them the confidence to face school without fear.

A Valuable Life Skill

By showing your child that their independence is a good thing, you’re setting the stage for them to move toward self-sufficiency. This will help them as they mature and explore the world around them.
Contact Us for more information about fostering independence in your child to ensure they’re ready for preschool