Allowing Independence

Toddlers want to be independent, but this does not come without it's own set of challenges. Let's talk about how to allow our children to be independent.

Children want to show their abilities. They want to be independent and helpful and show that they are capable. If you have a toddler you know their desire to do everything by themselves first hand. Obviously as the adults there are times where we do need to step in and take over, however there are also times that we do not. Times where we can step back and let the kids do the work.

Tip:

Some days you will have more patience for their independence than other days, but it is important that you acknowledge the value of their desire for independence.

The first step of allowing children to be independent in their early years has nothing to do with the child and everything to do with preparing the adult. If we are choosing to give children a chance to be independent we must not interrupt their work, even if it is taking a long time. The only time we should interrupt is if it is becoming unsafe. Interrupting their work could be disrespectful and make the child feel like they are not doing a good enough job. Preparing ourselves means making extra time for tasks when we are allowing the child to do it and be understanding that they may not approach the task in the way that we would have. For example, if we are letting the child independently put on their shoes and they are new to this task we will allow lots of extra time before we actually have to be out the door so that we do not have to interrupt their independence. We will also allow them to wear the shoes on the wrong feet if that is how they have put them on.

In what ways has your child been showing a desire for independence?