True independence emerges from the confidence to be ourselves & the awareness to understand who we are and what we want. Our children may be dependent on us, but ultimately, they are going to grow up to be independent thinkers & doers. As a parent, we need to support our child’s developing sense of autonomy.
Little ones rarely understand the idea of doing things on time & taking responsibility for their actions. Sometimes, the school bus might be waiting but the child is happily sleeping not with standing you trying to wake him up sometimes. But if this becomes a habit then it is essential to guide them in the right direction to enable them to discover their independence.
This will not just help them be disciplined but make them handle the demands of adulthood. We should encourage the child to be independent so that she/he can recognize her or his mistakes but reach out for support in case they are not worthy to address by themself. The happiness & satisfaction you understand when you see your children accomplish a task by themselves is fantastic.
As a long-term parenting aim to guide your children to embrace independence while enjoying the joy of childhood, here are some tips to help you.
Creating A Structure & Encouraging Discipline
It is more manageable for children to make decisions if people think sequentially. A structured routine for what requires to be done during the day at a particular time can help the child make decisions in a controlled environment. When children have a collection of goals that require to be completed, then the decision of how & when to achieve them can reach them to devise a routine and discipline to their day.
Allowing Them To Make Their Own Decisions
One way to raise the child into making his/her own decisions is by learning how they would like to spend the day. Ask your children whether they prefer to complete homework first or play first, or picking which vegetable they would like to eat for lunch. By introducing choices also encouraging them to complete the task as decided upon, children can learn the importance of prioritizing & decision making.
Giving Responsibility To Develop Responsibility
To give your children an insight into responsibility, ask them which tasks they are willing to do themselves & assign it as their responsibility. Assign age-appropriate chores like setting the table, watering the plants or organizing the cupboard. If you are planning a party, make a list of easy tasks you require their help with and let them take a lead on some features like choosing the dessert or the cutlery to be used. This can also help boost their self-confidence and take ownership of the decisions they have made.
Applauding The Effort
Doing something on their individual for the first time is exciting. Giving the child positive feedback while they complete a task & appreciating their effort works wonders in promoting their confidence. As parents, a word of encouragement or praise can increase the child’s belief in his actions & guide them in the right direction.
