As children grow older, they will increasingly start doing (and wanting to do) things independently. Independence is important for your child's development. It helps them gain more self-confidence, learn to take care of themselves, and stand up for themselves. While some children naturally become independent early on, others may struggle a bit more with it. We have five tips that can help you stimulate independence in your child.
Ways to Stimulate Independence
Becoming independent is exactly what the word implies: independent. Children need to experience things on their own and gain the confidence that they don't need their mom or dad for everything. Independence can be encouraged in various ways, such as through sports, hobbies, and socializing with peers.
Tip 1: Set a Good Example
Children learn by doing and by observing how you, as a parent, do things. It's important to demonstrate to your children how they can do certain things on their own. This can start with small tasks like choosing their clothes in the morning before school or making their own breakfast. Gradually build on this. Don't forget to praise your child, even when things don't go smoothly right away.
Tip 2: Have Patience
Rome wasn't built in a day. Independence in children takes time and patience. As a parent, it's important to be understanding. The worst thing you can do in a new situation is to punish your child when they don't succeed the first (or second or third) time. Give your child the time to learn new things. Only then will they gain the confidence they need to become independent.
Tip 3: Start Small
As mentioned above: start small. Encourage your child to do small things independently at first, like spreading sandwiches or tying shoelaces. These small steps help your child become independent. As they get older, you can give them more challenging "tasks."
Tip 4: Take Your Time
Another important tip for parents is: take your time. If you're already in a hurry in the morning or running late for school, don't ask your child to spread sandwiches. Learning something new takes time. Also, don't immediately intervene by, for example, taking something out of your child's hands. Not only is it frustrating for your child, but it also gives the impression that your child "can't do it." If it really doesn't work out, suggest trying it together.
Tip 5: Praise, Praise, Praise!
Positivity helps your child gain more confidence in themselves. Not only do you show as a parent that you're proud of your child, but you also show that you trust your child to do it themselves. This leads to more self-confidence and determination in your child.
