Tips to help your child become more independent

No matter how protective we are, life will be throwing curve balls at us all the time. And we need to help our children prepare for it.

As parents, it is totally normal to want to protect your child. And go all out to provide only the best for them.

But it is equally important to ensure they can look after themselves when the need arises. And the training starts right now. Not after they are 18 or move out of the home.

An independent child-

- Can take responsibility and be accountable,

- Remain safeguarded from most of the difficulties in life,

- Learn from their mistakes and move on,

- Understand what they want from life and what makes them truly happy,

- Have a strong sense of self-esteem that helps them navigate through life.

But how can you make that happen?

It needs special care from your side, and lots of patience. And you need to undertake different strategies depending on your child’s age.

And here are a few guidelines to help you through this journey-

a. Invest time-

As a parent, you might feel that it is easy to just do the things yourself. But you need to invest time, energy and attention to help your child be independent.

b. Provide them choices-

From their childhood, provide them choices. This way you will decide the options but they will know the best option to choose from those. Like, if they complete all the homework in time, they can invite a friend over at the weekend.

c. Let them take care of the small things-

It’s important to overview them as they complete their homework and projects themselves. Let them solve that fight with their friend, you might advise them but let them do the work. Avoid hand holding.

d. Teach basic life skills-

The basics of cooking, laundry, organising your stuff, cleaning your desk and personal finance is life changing. They will reap the benefits for a lifetime once they learn them.

e. Provide boundaries-

Show them they cannot do something, and they might have to wait if they want your support. Setting boundaries will shape their personality much more and teach them patience.

f. Don’t make a fuss over failures-

When they do something for the first time, mistakes are bound to happen. Do not criticise them harshly or label them. Else, they will become under-confident and will depend on you forever.

g. Let them problem-solve Independently-

Be it in school, neighborhood or even at home- when they face any problems, let them come up with solutions. Listen to them, and advise them if they need it.

h. Teach negotiation-

It is a really underrated life skill. And can only be learnt through experiences. But you need to provide extra attention here.

i. Treat them as adults-

Do not encourage nagging or begging. Treat them as adults and let them treat you with the same respect. You also need to trust them a bit.

j. Encourage-

That’s the most important point. With the right bit of encouragement, every kid will learn the skills and will be independent.

Which one tip are you going to try first?

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