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Inside: Find simple yet significant ways to encourage independence in your toddlers!
Independence is crucial to a child’s development.
Encouraging your child to be more self-sufficient is critical for developing a sense of identity, self-worth, perseverance, confidence, and the ability to deal with frustration.
Although the quest for independence is evident in your children’s day-to-day activities from birth, finding opportunities to enhance it even more is vital for their social and emotional growth.
Permitting your toddler to spoon-feed himself, remove his diaper, or even make his snacks and choose his clothes can go a long way.
“Please, let them be little, ’cause they’re only that way for a while. Give them hope. Give them praise. Give them love every day. Let ‘em cry. Let ‘em giggle. Let ‘em sleep in the middle. Oh, but let them be little.”
~ Billy Dean
A Parent’s Role in Fostering Their Toddler’s Independence
It is hard not to groan at the thought of your kids trying to do things on their own.
Yes, it is sometimes terrifying to let them try because of the huge possibility that something could go wrong, resulting in a crying child.
But here is where we need to step back, Mama! Think about what our goal is, and remember that each small success counts towards that end.
As parents, we must encourage our toddlers’ independence so that they will be confident in taking on challenging activities. We should create chances, define boundaries, and develop routines.
Related article about toddlers: 6 Easy Tips to Prepare Your Toddler for His First Dentist Visit
How do you foster toddler independence at home?
That is the question… Well, look no further! This guide offers a straightforward approach to promoting and nurturing independence in your little ones.
Here are five manageable ways to start:
1. Set Predictable Routines
Routines are predictable patterns of behavior or thinking that are repeated over time. They give someone a sense of security and help him understand the world around him. Knowing what comes next gives him the ability to control his environment and make decisions.
Establishing a consistent routine is one of the most important things you can do to help your toddler become more independent.
So make sure to create routines for each day of your child’s life.
For instance, have your toddler brush his teeth before going to bed each night and brush his teeth in the morning too. Perhaps, as soon as he wakes up, have him learn how to use the potty so he becomes accustomed to going to the toilet when he gets up first thing in the morning.
As toddlers experience these routines regularly, they learn to anticipate what comes next. They begin to take on more responsibility with less help.
If you let your toddler do some preparation work, like putting toothpaste on their toothbrush, they will independently take on more of these steps. With this, he will learn that you have faith in his ability to do things without you and that you are there to assist when he needs it.
Related article about toddlers: How to Teach Your Toddler to Wash Their Hands Good
2. Let Your Toddler Choose
Toddlers are naturally independent and want to be in charge. They want to take on new challenges and make their own decisions. But sometimes, it seems like parents are trying to control a child’s behavior.
On that note, you should let your child make easy decisions at home so that he knows you trust him to do the right thing. After all, this will help him gain confidence and independence.
Allow your kid to select between oatmeal and toast for breakfast, for example. He might surprise you by picking a less popular item. Remember that he has to get his way most of the time. (Of course, as long as it’s not harmful!)
You might also let your kid pick out his clothes. Let him choose what to wear from two to three possibilities. This gives your child the freedom to decide what to wear while also ensuring that he is appropriately dressed for the weather.
3. Let Your Toddler Help
You can foster independence in your child by letting her help you with tasks. His little hands are perfect for small jobs, and since he is interested in what you are doing, he will happily lend a helping hand.
This also gives your toddler a chance to practice the skills he has been learning and gain more experience. He may not have the ability to do the task independently just yet, but he will gain experience nonetheless.
For example, let him help you open a jar. If his tiny hands cannot get a good grip on the lid, you can take over and pry it off yourself.
Your toddler can also help in the kitchen. He can stir batter, help you wash vegetables, hand you measuring cups and spoons, open the microwave door, and much more. You can even set up a “kitchen table” or a workstation for him where he has a place to work.
4. Give Your Toddler Chores
Toddlers feel valued if you give them simple chores. You can assign daily household duties or assignments based on the day’s activities.
Since toddlers are eager to help around the house, they will not resist a chance at responsibility. Just make sure that whatever you assign them is age-appropriate.
Now, what can your toddler do?
Toddlers can do simple chores around the house. He can pick up and put away his toys when he is finished playing, put his dirty clothes into the laundry basket, help load the washing machine, set the table for dinner, help with the dishes, and more.
Giving your youngster specific chores lets them feel like they are helping. Because you’re encouraging him to participate, he’ll be willing to take on more tasks independently.
5. Use Your Words
When you use your words to encourage and praise your child, he will value what you say and follow your lead. It can make him feel more independent because he knows you are giving him positive motivation to behave the way you want.
You can say things like, “How impressive that you finished your meal!” or “I like how you are always on time.” These words can help your child feel good about himself and give him confidence for the future.
Also, when you do speak with your child, make eye contact and avoid yelling. As much as possible, allow for undisturbed interactions so your child does not feel rushed. This approach will help foster his independence because he will learn to listen to you without feeling pressed or agitated.
Related article about toddlers: 5 Guaranteed Home Remedies to Constipation in Toddlers
Final Say on the Ways to Foster Toddler Independence at Home
Although some parents want to encourage independence in their children, not all parents know how to do it effectively.
These five ways to nurture independence at home can help you teach your toddler to become more self-reliant.
PRO TIP: Read an excellent book to your toddler about independence. This book is perfect for teaching him just that.
Fostering independence in your toddler does not come overnight. Consider these methods as tools to help you achieve your long-term goal.
It will most likely take many tiny steps and years of effort until your child is entirely independent, but with these, you can ensure that he gets off to a good start!
What do you do at home to promote independence in your toddler?
Leave that valuable advice down below and help a mama out! Or maybe share this article with your friends.
You got this, Mama! Keep up the great work.
Talk to you soon,
More good reads about toddlers:
Nurturing Curiosity: How to Encourage Your Toddlers
Long Road Trips: 7 Top Tips to Make It Fun with Your Toddlers
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