No matter the age of your child, independence is an important life skill you want to instill. Raising independent kids helps provide the self confidence and discipline to complete school work on their own, play without instruction, and problem solve.
Benefits of Raising Independent Kids
Self-Esteem
Independent children are more confident in their actions and feel responsible for their actions. Parents can work towards developing self esteem by providing age appropriate responsibilities and positive feedback. Begin first by teaching your child how to complete a project. When a child does not complete a responsibility, or completes it incorrectly, provide reassurance that in time they will continue to improve.
Age Appropriate Chores for 4-6 years old
Feeding pets
Setting the table
Cleaning up toys
Hanging up jackets
Age Appropriate Chores for 7-10 years old
Helping in the kitchen
Cleaning dishes
Folding laundry
Completing basic yard work
Age Appropriate Chores for 11-14 years old
Caring for pets
Vacuuming the house
Taking out the trash
Mowing the Lawn
Healthy Relationships
Knowing how to spend time by yourself is a critical skill required in adulthood. Raising Independent kids who know how to occupy their mind ensures that they will later be able to productively work with independence in the workforce. Outside of a professional setting independence establishes healthy boundaries that will assist children in interpersonal relationships. It is important to trust in your own abilities no matter the age.
Ownership
Independence empowers children to take ownership of problems and work to find proactive solutions. Ownership is key to learning and helps move students from ‘worksheet’ style education to creative opportunities like storytelling and engineering. When working through learning opportunities encourage ownership by offering open ended activities and providing tools to accomplish them.
Interested in other tips and tricks for raising independent kids? Learn how Open Ended toys can encourage independence through purposeful play.