Ways to Teach Kids Independence

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When is the first time you heard your kid saying “Mommy look I can do it!” Mixed feelings of excitement and happiness engulf us seeing our young ones can slowly be independent. We must not forget to complement and praise their foremost accomplishment to encourage them to be self-reliant.  However, we must also see to it that we do not push them too hard and we must set limitations as well.

Here are some ways on how to teach kids independence

• Allow them to play on their own and teach them how to tidy up their toys afterwards. Make sure that the toys we give them are suited for their age, so they can play alone at times.
• Simply coach them how to put on their own shoes, or tie the lace unaided.
• Allow them to pick their choice of clothes to wear and let them dress themselves.
• Teach them simple house chores like making up their own bed, dusting, setting up the table and washing the dishes
• Allow them to commit minor mistakes, they will learn from it, let them figure it out, and then encourage them to do it again by themselves.
• Don’t go overboard in buying good deeds; giving rewards once in a while is okay. Kids need to realize that a positive outcome is a result of self-motivation .
• Let them do their school homeworks, simply supervise them to see to it that they finish their assignments and reviews for the next school day. Explain and teach them only when they do not understand an instruction, yet we must also double check on their works until such time they can do it unattended.

photo from the web

It is important to educate children on how to develop a healthy sense of independence and responsibility through proper motivation and encouragement. At the same time teaching good manners and right conduct and the necessary skills they will need to succeed in life.