Simple Ways to Support Independence in Young Children
/How to Support Independence in Young Children
Do you want to raise confident kids? Check out this reframe below:
Rather than doing everything your child needs for him/her, reframe your thinking to ask yourself how you can support your child in doing it for themself.
Children want to be active participants in their own lives. When they have a sense of agency, they are more cooperative and parenting becomes easier. They learn important life skills, independence and gain confidence.
There are lots of simple switches that you can make in your home to support your child’s independence. There are many things you can do to set them up for success.
Here are a few examples:
Do you have a sturdy stool available for your child to drag up to the sink or to turn on or off the lights?
Do you have diapers and wipes down low so that when it is time for a diaper change, your toddler can bring the supplies needed for a change.
Can you put toddler safe cups in a low drawer so that your young child can get a drink when thirsty?
You do not need to overhaul your parenting. Instead try making small changes that feel sustainable to you.
There are lots of tools that you can put in your home to set your young child up for the opportunity to help him or herself. Don’t feel that you need to run out and buy these things new. They can almost always be found on local swap groups or second hand stores.
Faucet extender so that your child can wash hands without leaning into the sink./ Unbreakable hand mirror so that your child can clean his or her face/ Sturdy step stool/ Wooden cutting tool for young toddlers to safely chop fruit or vegetables/ wavy chopping knife for your preschooler/ Curious Chef knives for preschoolers and up/ stainless steel cups and pitcher/ Foldable kitchen helper to bring your child to counter height
shoe puzzle stickers to help your child put their shoes on the correct feet/ routine chart to help your older preschooler check off their list/ light extender so that your child can reach the light switch/ hooks to put down low so that your child can hang their own coat and sweater/ child sized garment rack for easy dressing/ twighlight turtle that serves as a nightlight and a stuffed animal
Finally, encourage your child to develop these new skills with the phrases below:
Remember, when you make this extra effort you are teaching your child life skills. You are giving them independence and confidence that they will carry forever. Most importantly, your child will come to know him or herself as a capable and competent learner.
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Starting school is a huge milestone. It can bring up so many feelings for both child and parent. I have been on “all sides” of starting school. I taught preschool for many years, I have a Masters in education, and I’m a mom of three children who all approached starting school differently. I’ve been working with children and families for a very long time and one thing I know for sure is that starting school for the first time brings up a lot of feelings for everyone involved. Inside Ready Set School, I am going to walk you through all of the tips and strategies that I have used throughout the years. You don’t have to wing it. After Ready Set School, you and your child are going to feel as prepared and confident as possible for starting school.
If you want to create a home that is filled with play and creativity, the key is to let your child know how much you value the time and effort they spent playing.