Helping your child become more independent

Once becoming a parent, you realise that there is nothing more that you want for your child than success and independence. But it is not the easiest of tasks to help children become independent given that they still need a lot of assistance when it comes to other factors in their lives. Some of this is due to the parental instinct of wanting to do as much as you can for your child to make their lives easier and limit their experiences with failure. The process of teaching a child independence is lengthy and takes effort, but in the end, is completely worth it. Here is some advice from this private boys school in Hampstead on helping your child become more independent.

Allow them to make mistakes

You must be thinking, how does this help with independence? Let’s break it down. When a child makes a mistake, it opens up the opportunity to explain to them that a mistake does not mean the end, and allows them to brainstorm ways to do better next time. This mindset change can start from small mistakes such as choosing not to take gloves on a day that is going to be frosty. It is hard to see your child struggle, but sometimes they need to make these small errors to make real change for themselves. The next time it is cold, your child will take initiative and pack their gloves before you even ask them to. This shows development of the mindset and leads to confidence and independence.

Involve them in household tasks

Try and encourage your child to take on one age-appropriate task such as tidying up their toys after playing or picking their clothes off the floor. Ensure the task is necessary as children are much more willing to take part when they know their efforts will aid towards the household. The tasks don’t have to be big or complicated, just something that requires them to plan ahead and schedule into their lives. You can ask them to assist you with laundry one day, so that they are able to observe the process. Eventually as they grow older, they will be able to pick these household tasks up quickly purely because they watched you do it.

Just remember, the more you do for your child, the less they will need to do things for themselves. If you know your child is capable, take the leap and let them get a taste of independence.

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