How to Teach Kids to be Independent

As a parent you want to prevent any hardship in your kids' lives. But kids need to endure some difficulties to gain independence. Learn to strike a balance between protecting your kids and letting them try and fail. This is a great way to teach then to be independent.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Give the kids some responsibility. Ask your children to complete a few age and skill appropriate chores around the house. Show them how to do the tasks correctly, then step back and let them complete the jobs and gain a sense of independence.

2. Help your kids figure out a problem instead of stepping in and solving it for them. Ask things like, "How would you handle this situation?" Give them guidance and the tools to solve problems themselves.

3. Let your kids fail once in a while. Yes, this is incredibly difficult. But kids need to know what failure feels like and how to deal with it.

4. Build routines. Make every night the same at bedtime and soon your kids will find their independence and complete tasks without you having to tell them.

5. Be there for support when your kids need it and let them know you believe in them. You can be a support for your kids through the tough times and empower them by saying how much confidence you have in their judgment and abilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Always praise your children for trying to be independent and don't be too concerned about the end result. If it takes 15 minutes for your toddler to get dressed and he put his shirt on backwards, be patient and tell him you're proud he made the effort. Show him how to do it correctly and try again tomorrow.
• Be a role model for your kids. They will look to you to see what independent adults do, so show them. Make confident decisions and talk about your failures. This is one of the most reliable ways to teach your kids independence.

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