Children depend on adults to care for them and keep them safe. However, as children develop they will begin to try things for themselves and want more independence. This is a natural part of growing up and will be important at school where children need to take responsibility for their own learning and organisation.
Independence is a great characteristic to encourage because it will help children to prepare for adult life. To help cultivate your child’s independence here are some great tips from an independent school in Oxton…
Let go
Children naturally seek more independence as they grow up. It can be difficult to let go, but it is important to take a step back and let your son or daughter try new experiences. Allow your child the freedom to explore, solve problems and make their own choices. This will help to grow their confidence and teach them important life skills.
Let them help
Support the development of your child’s independence by giving them more responsibilities. This could involve helping with some simple jobs around the house, such as cooking, cleaning or caring for a family pet. Having these responsibilities will increase their feelings of competency and give them a deeper appreciation of what parents do.
Let them make decisions
Help your child to start making their own decisions by offering them choices. For example, when you are out shopping with your child, select some options for dinner and then let your child choose which one they want. By offering your child choices, you will be showing them that their opinions are valued.
Let them grow
A ‘growth mind-set’ is a useful technique for building your child’s independence. This is a method of positive thinking that you can teach your child in order to support them through challenges and setbacks. Children with a growth mind-set believe that their abilities can improve over time and they learn to view mistakes as learning opportunities.
Laura x