Why is Being Independent Important for Your Child?

Taking responsibility for their actions, is an important virtue that should be inculcated in children by the parents, from the very beginning.

Your children might become dependent on you for little things unless you give them liberty to make mistakes and then learn from them. As children grow up, it is our duty   as a parent, to guide them in the right direction with a few tips and let the children discover independence in their own way. 

Advantages of Being Independent

Your child might not understand the meaning of being independent now, but it will be evident as and when he grows up. Learning a few life skills early in life can prepare him to handle difficult situations in adulthood.

• Children should be able to understand the concept of choices later in life, but by introducing them early in life, they can understand what makes them happy and make better decisions.
  
  
  
  
  
• Self-esteem is developed at an early age and it can turn out to be stronger if a child has faith in himself and his decisions. Independence helps to develop self-esteem and makes a child feel worthwhile early on.
  
• Life isn’t all about happiness and success. There can be moments when your child might fail to do a task as expected but, one should have the capability to recognize mistakes and seek guidance in performing better, the next time.
  
  
  
  

• Books contain information, but knowledge is acquired only through actions. Independent children start learning things by themselves, take risks, and become better informed as a person.
  

How to Teach Children to Be Independent?

There are a lot of ways to train the children to be independent and still enjoy their childhood the way they deserve.

Give Responsibilities That They Can Handle

Your child does not have to start with making big decisions. Like if you’re planning for a picnic and need your child to help you out, ask him to make a list of things you might need or pack his own bag for the short weekend trip. 

Don’t Hand-Hold Your Child

Many parents confuse the children by first assigning the task and then asking them to leave in between when they aren’t performing according to them. When the children are young, it is good to guide them or give suggestions but don’t interrupt them while they are doing a task. However, when the task is complete, you can tell your children how it could have been done more easily. 

Introduce Choices With Limited Options

While at a restaurant, give your child some options from the menu and ask him to choose from it instead of choosing from an expensive menu. Starting off with simple things can help him make a choice easily and prepare him for newer ones.

Let Your Child Make His Own Decisions 

You might prefer your child’s homework to be complete before he goes out to play but, he might prefer playing first sometimes. So, allow some degree of freedom in smaller aspects, such as choosing what to wear or what snack to eat. As long as he completes what he promises, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Have Empathy Towards The Child

Your child is starting to learn to be independent, and this process won’t be easy for him. Avoid scolding him even if he fails to do something. Be there, support him and help him out without judging him. 

Don’t Make Failure a Big Issue

There can be times when your child might fail to perform a task, and he might be disappointed. Comfort him and let him know that it is okay to fail. Teach him to learn from those failures and try again. He might repeat mistakes despite warnings, but it’s okay; let him learn from his mistakes. Do let your child know how he could have done better, but don’t connect the failure with him. This can hamper his self-esteem tremendously.

Teach Your Child to Solve Problems Independently

Be it school problems or any other issues with friends or siblings, tell them that it is okay to have problems, and let them resolve independently. Guide them if needed by providing a different perspective of the situation.

The Final Word

Once children start going to school and get used to the school environment, you can ask them to do the simple activities by themselves. This will slowly sow the seeds of independence in them.

Also read – Tips To Encourage Your Children To Participate In Extracurricular Activities