Let Them Grow
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to become increasingly independent.
As parents, it is natural to want to help. We organise, remind, decide and sometimes do things for our children simply because it is the easiest solution.
Children need opportunities to discover:
“I can do this myself.”
Independence doesn't happen overnight. It grows through small steps.
Let them:
Pack their own school bag.
Choose their clothes.
Manage their homework.
Make simple decisions.
Take responsibility for their belongings.
Experience the consequences of forgetting something.
Don't step away completely. Be nearby, encourage them. Offer help when it is genuinely needed. Let them feel disappointed from time to time.
The important thing is to gradually move from “I'll do it for you” to eventually “I know you can do it.”
Every small responsibility builds confidence, judgement and resilience bit by bit.
The goal of parenting isn't to keep doing everything for our children. It's to prepare them to do things for themselves.
It is also much safer to lead your child to independence as we live in a world that needs sharp minds and an intuitive disposition to survive well.
“Survival of the fittest is all about being self aware and capable”