We love the joy of having a sweet toddler around, but life with a toddler is busy, and we spend time imagining life with one who is still sweet but independent. Funny, right?
Parents have a role in encouraging toddler independence. Great news, right? It actually takes time and a lot of patience. Toddler independence builds their self-esteem, desire for growth, self-reliance, as well as capacity.
Parents Role in Encouraging Toddler Independence
Some toddlers need to be motivated to be independent by doing self-care tasks, while others need extra push, either way. Few tips to encourage his independence includes;
- Accessibility: The more accessible your toddler is to self-care tasks, the more likely he is to do them. For instance, keep your toddlers under pants in a low drawer in his room so he can pull them out himself.
- Support: Your toddler will make mistakes on his journey to independence; you support him by praising his efforts and teaching him that mistakes are part of learning and persistence will make him perfect. Refuse the urge to scold or rebuke them when they make a mess.
- Step aside: Your toddler must develop skills that will help him even as an adult; do not interfere when he tries many times without result. Give him several opportunities. It takes practice to be perfect.
- Start earlier: Many times, the reason parents interfere in their toddlers self-care tasks is due to limited time. It is easy; start earlier so he can have time to successfully complete his task. Offer his food earlier, have him pick up the toys earlier, start your bedtime routine earlier (30 minutes earlier can make a real change)
- Stick to the routine: Children thrive on routines. Stick to them as much as possible, even when you have to start earlier.