Independence is not something children can gain themselves given the lack of perspective, experience and skills. Here are five ways to help kids become more independent to help them grow into their own identities.
1. Encourage exploration
Parents typically put their children on a short leash to ensure their safety, but once they hit the 'big kids' stage, it is time to encourage exploration. Challenge them a little while encouraging them along the way. Even if their decisions and explorations become peculiar, let them figure out things for themselves to offer the chance to learn and grow on their own.
2. Resist the urge to save
Even if it takes four times as long for a child to do it, resist the urge to jump in. There will be times when a child is better off without a parent.
Kids will feel more accomplished after completing certain tasks instead of a parent doing everything for them. This will help them gain more self-confidence to do things on their own later on.
3. Practice being absent
Goodbyes are always hard for toddlers especially those with separation anxiety. Assure them that although you may be leaving now, you're definitely coming back later on.
Once they are confident about your return, you can now leave for longer intervals. This will make for good practice especially during a longer separation when school starts, according to Baby Center.
4. Demand accountability
Parents often make the mistake of sending a message to children that it is never their fault. By blaming outside factors such as bad luck or unfairness, parents think they are safeguarding their children from harm.
However, children cannot take responsibility for their own achievements and successes without taking responsibility for their mistakes and failures. A child's ability to hold themselves accountable for their own actions is a critical part of being independent, according to Psychology Today.
5. Give her assurance
When children have an established sense of assurance and security, they are more encouraged to explore the world beyond the safety net parents provide. Children are then able to test their own capabilities knowing they always have a safe place to return to.
