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Independence
is an experience that many kids strive for. This is commonly
observed since many children often want to get out of
their parents' guiding hands. They want to explore and
this is seen at a very tender age.
Parents often
feel happy to see that their children learn how to make
decisions for themselves. However, one cannot take away
the fear of getting the child hurt due to lack of guidance.
Adults often see children as fragile, thus, they cannot
manage themselves properly. Sometimes, being overprotective
is not at all that helpful since it does not develop self-esteem
and confidence.
Parents should
allow their kids to have some freedom if kids are to be
developed. It has been said that freedom and independence
should be encouraged in children. Children will be more
responsible for their actions if their confidence is developed
and this confidence will only emerge if the parents are
not overprotective.
Children who
do not feel good about themselves are not likely to make
decisions. They will always feel afraid of taking ownership
and accountability for their actions. Parents should always
encourage confidence and boost morale.
Instill
Independence Among Children
Independence
has a catch. There should be levels of independence granted
to children or else they may abuse their newly found freedom.
As a general rule, the independent tasks that should be
given to children are tasks that they can accomplish based
on their age.
Below you will
see some simple ways to allow kids to have independence
that is still within a controlled environment. What can
be done is to practice these things not on a daily basis
but at least regularly.
- Let the kids
make their own breakfast with bread and butter. Other
than developing independence, this is also a fun experience
for the kids;
- Teach the
kids to make their own beds in the morning;
- Allow the
children to put their shoes on and tie their shoelaces
and then teach them the right way if they did not do it
right;
- Allow the
children to shower by themselves and undress themselves
before showering;
- Allow them
to choose what to wear at home and at occasions;
- Allow them
to wear the dress by themselves; and
- Allow them
decide what to pack in their bags.
You will observe
that once kids are used to accomplishing simple tasks
such as these, they will become more independent and self-sufficient.
This is how they get prepared as they get older. Without
training kids how to make decisions, they may grow old
with anxiety and fear.
When children
start doing things among themselves, parents and adults
should recognize these efforts to encourage them to pursue
the same actions.
Your Guide
to Children's Independence
Below you will
find basic tips on guiding your kids to be progressively
independent.
1) Provide
Opportunities
It is important
that parents provide opportunities for kids to practice
independence and hone their decision-making skills. There
were tasks mentioned earlier and those are good ways to
start learning independence.
2) Show How
to Make Decisions
Parents and
adults should allow kids to make decisions by giving them
choices. This will help kids learn how to make tougher
decisions as they grow older. Of course, the choices should
be minimal so the children will not be confused.
3) Boost Kids'
Confidence
Children, and
even adults, who are not confident in making decisions,
are also insecure. What happens normally is that kids
of this sort will be very clingy to their parents. They
rely too much on their parents and this can be annoying
at times. It is therefore important that parents should
boost the morale and confidence of their kids so the kids
are confident in facing new challenges and making decisions.
4) Model Independence
We all know
that children look up to adults, especially their parents,
in developing their styles and behaviors. What matters
is that the kids see good examples of independence. This
can be demonstrated by allowing them to watch adults complete
day-to-day tasks so they can learn.
5) Praise Your
Children
Children are
often developed better through positive reinforcement.
Kids feel happy if they receive praises. Every time the
kids accomplish something, praise them and show them how
good they were in accomplishing something. This will motivate
them to do better and learn to be independent.
6) Develop
Problem Solving Skills
Children should
develop their problem skills as early as possible. Being
successful at this develops confidence and allows them
to practice critical thinking. Soon, one will realize
that the kids are not going to grow up lacking self-esteem.
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