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.
