Fostering independence in preschoolers in 5 genius ways

Being a parent is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful feelings one can go through but at the same time, it is one of the most challenging roles to play for everyone. Parents are often in constant worry as to how their children are going to turn out when they grow up. Most of us work hard towards making your child a confident individual. Thus, it should be our primary focus to work on ways that help fostering independence in preschoolers and make prepare him to manage tough situations that they might encounter in coming years.

There is a constant need to teach our children and make them aware of surrounding since every second competition and frustration is on rise. Right from the beginning, your child enters his preschool, he is pushed to face the world. Most children like mine are dependent on their parents for smallest things possible.

Why fostering independence in preschoolers is important?

Inculcating the feeling of independence during growth years, especially during the preschool age, is necessary. This is mainly due to the reason that an independent child is organized in his work which has a direct impact on how confident the child is among children his age. The quality of independence makes them adept at problem-solving on their own and at the same time a planner as well.

Building independence in pre-schoolers is an important part of an individual’s social skills as well as self-reliance. That way, children grow up to be self-sufficient and can deal with any situation on their own as well as undertake any work on their own. They eventually become least vulnerable to external hazards of normal life.

By becoming independent, children gain a sense of belonging and worthiness. The kids grow up with a feeling that they are able to contribute to society and the world around them.   

But, the real question coming up is how to start fostering independence in preschoolers? How to pave the way for your kids so that they grow up to become self-reliant? The following tips can prove to be helpful. 

5 ways that help fostering independence in preschoolers

Let them be at the forefront while choosing stuff

According to a study, if a child is taught to be independent in early days of his/her life then they inculcate a feeling to achieve success on their own in different phases of life. It is due to this reason it is recommended that while buying clothes, decorative items for your child’s room, your child’s snacks, allow them to pick and choose. This is most important while you are shopping for their clothes.

The act of choosing between a number of options available gives them a feeling that their ideas matter and that they can have things according to their choice and stand by them as well.

The greatest gifts you can give your children are roots of responsibility and wings of independence – Dennis Waitley

Read more about how to inculcate reading habit in your child

Transferring a required amount of control to your child is needed so that they develop a skill of decision making and independence. Now, one of the main tips to remember as a parent is that you got to be patient while your child is making efforts to decide. It will not come as easily at first but in time, your children will surprise you with their wisdom.

The surrounding environment must foster independence

This is one of the most important things which could add value in fostering independence in preschoolers. Try to make your home an independence-friendly space. This can be easily done by putting a few stools for your child to choose from. You can also have children-friendly activities which are present within their reach, always for them to choose when to spend time on them.

Make sure to have drawers that are filled with craft and art materials, so that your child can be involved in some creative work, by choosing materials of his/her own choice. 

It is very crucial to have a routine

You must be wondering how having a set routine is connected to fostering independence in preschoolers. Well, these two are surely connected. Things like morning schedule, weekend, mealtime or bedtime routines provide children with direction and a sense of purpose.

According to experts, young children love to know how things are going to happen, and this helps them in a way, to feel like they have a little control. This sense of control forms the basis of fostering a feeling of independence in kids. Thus, make sure to stick to a routine so that he/she gets habitual of it. 

Allow your child to help

As parents, one often refuses to take help from kids, thinking they are too young. Thus, people politely decline the offer of help from their children. Although they cannot assist you in a massive way, just let them help you in whatever small way they can. Do not refuse any assistance they offer to you as this will surely multiply as they grow and if they don’t know how, they probably won’t.

This can range from your child getting ready by himself or herself, or let them have little bites of eatables on their own or putting their games or their stuff at the concerned place, etc. Taking even small help from your kids helps to build a sense of independence in them. If you say no to their help and every time do their work, then you can they will take things for granted and will grow up to be dependent on you.

Thus, let them help in the smallest possible way! 

Let them handle their conflicts

There is a complete possibility that your child may have a little fight or conflict with his/her friends at pre-school or in the evening while playing out in the garden. Well, parents have this nature to immediately jump in between so as to solve the conflict with polite words.

Don’t get involved in the conflict until the situation goes completely out of control and the kids are not fighting physically and hurting each other. So, avoid getting in between and try to solve the conflict with polite words until it is a major deal. Simply let them deal with it. We can surely intervene, but they must learn how to handle disagreements and come out on top. 

Lastly, don’t always rush to solve their minor issues because it chisels down their ability to build their problem-solving skills. Don’t be over-protective and let them attend summer camps or a little camping trip with other kids.

Independent children are admirable and every parent envies an independent child. Your child can also be one and hopefully the tips mentioned above can help. As parents, your prime aim should be to build their self-esteem and inculcate feelings of self-reliance which will ultimately make them well-adjusted adults. 

Colossalumbrella is a growing community and I welcome writers to share their experience with my audience. If you are interested in writing as a guest blogger, please send your queries through contact page. Follow me on Pinterest or Instagram