6 Tips For Your Child To Be More Independent

It is possible that, over time, you will find that your child is very dependent on you. He needs your approval for everything and may even present separation anxiety when he has to be away from you for a long time. But a child, as he grows up, needs to do things on his own and be more independent. Therefore, as mothers and fathers it is your duty to help the little ones in whatever way.

Children often struggle to become independent. Because they are afraid of making mistakes, of receiving criticism or maybe they just want to get attention. Only you can help your child be more independent, no matter what the reason is. If you don’t know where to start, don’t miss these ideas below.

Our advice is:

1. Allow him to have the initiative

While it’s true that parents should set limits for their children, sometimes it’s good to let the little ones make their own decisions. Even if they are a little extravagant. For example, if you have a 2-year-old and he wants to wear a jacket that doesn’t match the outfit he’s wearing, allow him to wear it! If he wants to put on a jacket, but it’s too hot, he’ll soon realize for himself that it might be better not to wear it. This way your child will be able to draw conclusions from his own experience according to his thoughts. In this way, you provide opportunities for him to learn and grow.

2. Let your child make their own decisions

Just as important as taking the initiative is making your own decisions. Allow your child from an early age to be able to make decisions for himself. You can start small so he can make his own choices and feel good about himself. For example, you can let him choose between two dessert options. Or choose between two options previously chosen by you, the clothes he will wear in the morning, etc… This will make your child understand that he is able to make his own decisions and that they are accepted by others, without criticism.

3. Make a to-do list

You can make a list of things your child could do on his own, like a to-do list (sweeping the house, brushing teeth, etc…). This to-do list should match the age of your son or daughter. After you have established the list, you need to give it a few chances to see if your child will feel comfortable enough to do the tasks on his own. If he can get the job done and enjoy this learning and growing experience, you should no doubt praise him.

4. Forget about perfections

Maybe you are a perfectionist and you show this to your children without even realizing it. It is not necessary to look for perfection in your children, much less in yourself. You must accept that your children are not going to do things as well as you and there is no problem with that. If your child drops the cup of milk, for example, instead of getting angry, teach him to clean without criticizing. Say it’s okay because this is something that can happen to anyone.

5. Don’t criticize. Praise!

Sometimes parents focus only on the things their children do wrong and end up exaggerating their criticisms. But for kids to feel good about what they do, parents must forget about criticism forever and focus on what kids do right. If the little ones are praised and the way to do things right is explained, it is very likely that children will be motivated and strive to achieve it. On the other hand, if we focus on criticizing what they did wrong, it is more likely that the children’s self-esteem will be seriously damaged.

6. trust him

In order for a child to be able to trust himself, he must first feel how others (especially parents) trust him. In order for the child to know that you trust him, you need to provide him with opportunities to do things for himself. And, even, be able to practice the absence gradually from her activities, so that she gets used to doing things alone. For example, you can tell your child that he needs to stay for about 5 minutes in another room and that he will come back later. That way, you can increase the breaks until your child realizes that he can do things for himself for longer. Little by little he will be more independent.