Helping Your Child Become More Independent

Seeing your child reach their milestones is the most fulfilling part of being a parent and can take a load off you too. Too often we are caught up by the busyness of life and just end up doing everything instead. Like getting our children ready instead of giving them the chance to do it for themselves. While this might be the quick fix for your problems, it can hold your child back in developing their independence. A prep school in Harrow has shared a great list of tips with us that you can use to help your child become more independent.

Be Careful of the Words You Use

When getting your child to do things for themselves it’s important to be gentle, even if they want you to do something that you know that they can do. Avoid calling them a baby or using words that may be sensitive. 

Offer Support 

Support your child with adjusting to these new tasks by helping out. For example, you can help them put on their top while they put on their trousers or get them to put on one shoe while you put on the other. By using praise, you can give your child the encouragement to do so all by themselves one day.

Have Patience 

As your child learns how to do things for themselves, it will take time and a little longer than it takes you to do them like brushing their hair. It’s important to be patient with this part of their development and not rush the process. To do this, be sure to give your child extra time in the morning if they want to do their hair by themselves. This can make all the difference and help make learning a new task less stressful. 

Dealing with Mistakes

Mistakes like spilling a glass of juice over will happen and will help them to grow. Be gentle and accepting of their mistakes by guiding them as we all make them. This might even be an opportunity for you to show them how to fix their mistakes by teaching them how to clean up after themselves.

Choosing the Right Time

Children like having a sense of normality as we all do. Introducing new tasks and making change after change to their routine can be quite stressful for them. With any new tasks, try easing them in gradually and when they’re ready.