It’s important to make sure our children grow up feeling empowered and trusting their own judgement. Raising independent kids will help them grow to be self-sufficient, resilient adults. Teaching independence can be tough, your child feels comfort as you handhold them through life, and tackling things on their own can feel daunting. The key is to take things slow and focus on building their confidence over time rather than throwing them in at the deep end. I have teamed up with a boarding school in London to explore some ways you can help your child feel more independent, without them feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Do It Together
Build your child’s confidence by carrying out simple tasks together. They’ll feel reassured knowing they can copy you or ask for help but will gradually develop the ability to do it independently. Get your child to help you fold the laundry or wash the dishes after dinner. Eventually, you can set age-appropriate chores that you know they are capable of carrying out alone. This will not only increase their independence but will give them a sense of responsibility and pride as they contribute to maintaining the house.
Give Them Choices
Being independent is not limited to just doing things alone. Independent thought and the confidence to make decisions is equally important. Give your child opportunities to make decisions for themselves. Let them pick their outfit for their birthday party or give them options for dinner and allow them to choose. Considering options and forming opinions helps develop critical thinking skills and increases their self-reliance.
Spend Time Apart
This is particularly important for children who haven’t yet started school, but time away from parents can benefit any child. A few hours on an outing with a family member is a good place to start as they will still be with someone familiar but can get used to not having you by their side at all times. Children can sometimes experience separation anxiety when they start school or nursery, so it’s important to gradually get them used to spending time without you, in a way that feels comfortable for you both.