As a parent, it is your job to help your child become as independent as possible. This does not necessarily mean they have to learn how to do everything on their own; it simply means being as prepared as possible for when they begin to venture out on their own. The best way to do that is to model independence for your child. This means encouraging your child to do things by themselves, which will teach them that it is OK.
When parents take the responsibility of raising a child, many often also consider the role of the parent as the actual “teacher” of the child. However, being a parent does not stop once your child enters the school system. It continues right into adulthood, so it is important to show your kid that you support them and their ability to learn.
Tips for Teaching Kids to be More Independent
Give notice
Teaching kids to be more independent is not an easy task. While we all want our kids to develop the skills they need to live on their own someday, and while we want to encourage that independence, we are also often held back from fully letting go, especially when it comes to issues involving money.
Identify opportunities
Independent children are more likely to learn routines and fit in well with others. They excel compared to their peers at taking initiative, problem-solving, and making friends. Parents can help their children become more independent by giving them the right chances to learn, grow and become more independent from the very early age.
For instance, parents can consider enrolling their infants in a school with preschool programs in Fort Mill, SC (assuming this your residing area). In such schools, kids can learn routines, solve problems, and enhance their creativity and language skills. It can be a simple yet effective way to guide them towards independence in the future. Similarly, at home, parents can teach their infants and toddlers to do simple tasks independently, like putting away toys after playing or placing their food plate in the sink after eating. When parents introduce their children to these environments early on, they’re providing them with essential tools for independence. Children who learn these skills early are better equipped in future years.
Target priorities
One of the biggest hurdles parents face when teaching their kids to be independent is teaching their little darlings to set priorities. Parents, being loving and concerned parents, want their kids to be able to do everything for themselves; they want their kids to be independent.
Make time
Home alone for the first time is a scary time for parents. Unfortunately, you cannot be there to watch the kids every second of the day, so if you want them to succeed without relying on you too much, it is important to teach them how to care for themselves.
Negotiate a compromise
As parents, we often give our children everything they want. But are we teaching them to negotiate compromise and how to solve the conflict? When we give our children everything they want, expecting them to give something in return, it can create resentment. At times, it may feel as if we do not care what their preferences are, but we as parents want what is best for our children.
Praise something
Children learn best when they are independent, and each individual child learns at a different pace. Some children may understand certain concepts more quickly, while other children may need more gradual instruction before moving on. While it is normal for kids to want their parents to do everything for them, kids need to learn how to be independent.
Consider circumstances
It is important that kids grow up feeling confident and capable, and learning how to do everything on their own is a great start. The key is to teach them to be patient, not frustrated. As kids get older, they should learn to take on more responsibilities, like dealing with household chores, walking the dog, or letting them play with friends more. This is where it is important to look at each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Parents want to be there for their kids, so sometimes, they forget to step back and let their kids handle their own problems. But it is important to teach your kids how to solve problems-even if it is as simple as how to take the bus to school. Having a plan-and sticking to it-will help your child feel in control, which will allow them to feel confident in their ability to manage whatever comes their way.
When children leave the nest, parents can be left with an overwhelming sense of sadness. Adolescence can be a time of uncertainty when kids take off on their own and move out on their own. Parents can prepare for this and support learning independence and self-worth in their teens, even outside school, by creating a home environment that encourages self-sufficiency.