5 Tips On How To Help Your Toddler Become Independent

Independence is an essential trait that every human being should have. Every parent’s dream is for their kids to grow up independent. This is because independent people tend to be more successful in life.

Although it’s hard for us parents to let go of our babies, it’s our responsibility to raise a good and independent human being. So, if you already have a toddler, start teaching them how to become independent by following these five easy steps.

Let Them Do Chores

The first step of independence is when children have responsibilities at home. Giving your toddlers age-appropriate tasks will challenge them, which will greatly help them succeed later on in life. Although these chores are still small, it’s already a big thing for your child, especially with the thought that you entrusted it to them. Moreover, it will aid them in learning how to be responsible.

Your kids will also learn commitment, time management, and goal setting if you give them chores. These skills are a huge factor they should learn early on. You can start by allowing your toddlers to prepare their meals, as it’s the easiest task they can work on. Remember to start small and add more chores as your child grows older.

But before you start giving this task to your toddler, you might want to explore versatile adjustable height learning towers first. These learning towers will aid your toddler to safely reach the kitchen countertop to prepare food. Remember that your kids still need your guidance, so be sure you’re right by their side as they prepare their meals.

Allow Them To Make Mistakes

As a parent, it’s common that we want our kids to be perfect. But in reality, nobody’s perfect. In fact, mistakes are what molds us to be better in life.

That’s why it’s okay to let your toddler make mistakes. It’s a normal part of growing. As long as they learn from it and know not to commit it again, your children may grow up to be responsible and empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society.

Additionally, making mistakes is a natural part of your child’s journey to independence. As they grow up, they’ll learn how to decide for themselves, and that only comes with mistakes. What’s important is that you are supporting them and ensuring you have their back and are ready to catch them when they fall.  It’s also your responsibility as a parent to explain the consequences of their actions.

Teach Them How To Manage Money

Knowing how to manage your money is a crucial part of being independent. Many believe that teaching money management to toddlers is too much for their age. However, money management is a vital life skill for kids to learn early.

You can start teaching your toddler money management by letting them see what money looks like and where it comes from. As they age, you can introduce budgeting and saving and how to balance needs and wants.

Rewarding your child with a cash allowance doesn’t just help them finish their chores at home. It will also help them understand the value of money. They will know that they need to work hard to earn it.

It is also a great opportunity to teach them firsthand how to manage their money. Remember, experience is still the best teacher.

Offer Choices And Freedom

Freedom comes with independence. And one way for your toddler to feel that they have freedom is by giving them a choice. When the child doesn’t feel restricted, it empowers them. Moreover, it will build their confidence and their decision-making skills.

However, remember that you still need to set limitations on the freedom you’re giving them. They are still kids and just starting to make sense of the world; thus, limits must still be in place.

You can start giving them freedom by allowing them to choose what clothes to wear out of two options, or what food to eat on a plate. These little things will give them a sense of responsibility, which could help them become independent.

Don’t Forget To Praise Them

Praises are rewards for kids. They feel ecstatic if their parents praise them, which encourages them to do more and to do good. However, praise shouldn’t only come when your child is doing the right thing. You must also praise their efforts, not just the result.

For instance, if they put on their shoes, you need to praise them, even if they wore it wrong. Tell them they’ve done a good job putting their shoes on independently. It will encourage them to do things independently.

Pointing out that they wore the shoes incorrectly will only discourage them from doing things on their own. Remember that your child is only a toddler. Eventually, they’ll learn how to wear it the right way when they grow older.

Bottomline

Independence should be taught during early childhood. So, if you have a toddler, it would be a perfect time to start teaching them independence. But remember, be there throughout their journey, but let them do the tasks independently. Your main role is only to ensure their safety since they’re still young—nothing more and nothing less.