Helping your child become more independent

It’s a dream of every parent to see the day that their child can walk into the big wide world, be independent and achieve great things. There are several ways that you can do this and help your child become more independent as a private school in Surrey shares.

Look for Opportunities

As your child grows and develops their fine motor skills there are a number of responsibilities that you can pass on to them from feeding themselves to doing up their own shoes. Not only will that take a load off your shoulders, but it will encourage your child to attempt new challenges and try new things.

Exercise Patience

While simple tasks like cleaning up might seem straightforward to us, remember that they’re still new to your little one and will take time. Being appreciative of this and not rushing your child will help them to learn and adapt to these small lifestyle changes as opposed to feeling frustrated. If for example you’re teaching your child how to dress themselves, allow them extra time to get ready in the morning by waking them up a little earlier.

Use Nurturing and Encouraging Words

From time to time your child may want to go back to having mummy and daddy helping them out which is okay as it’s a part of the process. Referring to them as a baby or indicating that they’re not a baby anymore can be quite upsetting for them and hinder their growth. Instead, try reminding them of how they were able to do a particular task all by themselves and use praise as encouragement.

Try Not to Step in Where Possible

The first time that your child attempts to clean up or do another activity for themselves it’s not going to be perfect. Letting them make their own mistakes can help them to learn whereas jumping in can indicate that they’re not capable. Instead, try making suggestions and offer hints so that they can have a go for themselves.

Thanks for reading xxx