---
title: How to Raise Independent Children
description: As parents, you only want the best for your children, and understandably so. With this in mind, many parents knowingly or subconsciously remove obstacles.
---

[Login](https://www.curreyingram.org/app)

[![Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN](https://blog.curreyingram.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CurreyIngramAcademy_February2021/images/Logo.png?width=1538&height=379&name=Logo.png "Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN")](https://www.curreyingram.org/)

- [About](https://www.curreyingram.org/about) 
    - - Welcome
          - At Currey Ingram Academy we settle for nothing less than being a global leader for students with learning differences. By *promoting strengths and supporting differences*, our students receive the education they truly deserve.
    - - - [Welcome from Head of School](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/welcome-from-head-of-school)
                  - [Mission, History & Milestones](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/mission-history-and-milestones)
                  - [Honors & Affiliations](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/honors-and-affiliations)
                  - [Board of Trust](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/board-of-trust)
                  - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
                  - [Careers](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/careers)
                  - [Our Campus](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/our-campus)
                  - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/faculty-and-staff-directory)
                  - [Contact & Directions](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/contact-and-directions)
          - - [Learn More](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/welcome-from-head-of-school)
- [Admission](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission) 
    - - Admissions
          - Our Admissions team is here to guide you through the application process, from scheduling an in-person campus visit to completing the admission process.
    - - - [Welcome](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/welcome)
                  - [Admission Process](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/admission-process)
                  - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid)
                  - [Meet Our Students](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/meet-our-students)
                  - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/request-information)
                  - [Schedule a Tour](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/schedule-a-tour)
          - - [Schedule a Tour](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/schedule-a-tour)
                  - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics) 
    - - A Currey Ingram Education
          - At Currey Ingram Academy, we understand that students learn differently, so we must teach differently. Our teachers use evidence-based instructional practices and multi-sensory approaches to address each student’s learning profile.
    - - - [Academic Approach](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/academic-approach)
                  - [The Currey Ingram Advantage](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/the-currey-ingram-advantage)
                  - [Lower School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/lower-school)
                  - [Middle School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/middle-school)
                  - [Upper School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/upper-school)
                  - [LibTech](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/libtech)
                  - [Transcript Request Form](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/transcript-request-form)
- [Boarding](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding) 
    - - Residential Life
          - Open to students in grades 9-12, Residential Life at Currey Ingram Academy continues the mission of the day school program by providing extended academic support while building independence and promoting responsibility.
    - - - [Residential Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/residential-life)
                  - [Dorm Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/dorm-life)
                  - [Meet the Residential Life Staff](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/meet-the-residential-life-staff)
                  - [Student Profiles: Who We Serve](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/student-profiles-who-we-serve)
          - - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Student Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life) 
    - - Student Life
          - Located on a beautiful 83-acre campus, Currey Ingram students participate in a wide-range of outdoor experiences, afterschool activities, athletics, arts and rich traditions such as our Henderson House program that they look forward to all year long.
    - - - [Social & Extracurricular Opportunities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/social-and-extracurricular-opportunities)
                  - [Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts)
                  - [Service Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/service-learning)
                  - [Traditions](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/traditions)
                  - [Afterschool Activities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/afterschool-activities)
- [Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics) 
    - - Sports on Campus
          - Mustang Athletics is an educational-based athletics program that provides a competitive and safe environment. Offering both individual and team sports to students in grades K-12, all students are encouraged to participate.
    - - - [Mustang Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-athletics)
                  - [Mustang Coaches](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-coaches)
                  - [Team Schedules](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/team-schedules)
                  - [Tradition & History](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/tradition-and-history)
                  - [Facilities](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/facilities)
                  - [Partners](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/partners)
                  - [CIA Spirit Store](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/cia-spirit-store)
          - - [Meet the Coaches](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/athletics/mustang-coaches)
                  - [Spirit Store](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/athletics/cia-spirit-store)
- [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving) 
    - - Support Currey Ingram
          - It is through the philanthropy of our donors that Currey Ingram is able to provide life-changing, personalized instruction to support students with learning differences. From the Currey Ingram Annual Fund to planned giving, our Community Engagement team is is here to help guide you through the process.
    - - - [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/giving)
                  - [Give Online](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/give-online)
                  - [Annual Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/annual-giving)
                  - [Endowment & Scholarship Support](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/endowment-and-scholarship-support)
                  - [Planned Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/planned-giving)
          - - [Make a Gift](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/giving/give-online)
- [Community](https://www.curreyingram.org/community) 
    - - Our Community
          - Currey Ingram Academy's community initiatives provide a broad range of learning opportunities that reflect the needs and interests of the community while strengthening the community's understanding of learning differences.
    - - - [News & Events](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/news-and-events)
                  - [Currey Ingram Blog](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog)
                  - [Currey Ingram Podcast](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/currey-ingram-podcast)
                  - [The Diagnostic Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/diagnostic-center/welcome)
                  - [The Annette Eskind Institute of Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)
                  - [The Child Development Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/child-development-center)
                  - [Summer Programs](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs)
                  - [Scientific Advisory Board](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/scientific-advisory-board)
          - - [Learn](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)
                  - [Listen](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/community/currey-ingram-podcast)

- [MyCIA](https://curreyingram.myschoolapp.com/app#login)
- [Calendar](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/calendar)
- [Search](https://www.curreyingram.org/search-results?q=)
- - [Inquire](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/request-information)

- [MyCIA](https://curreyingram.myschoolapp.com/app#login)
- [Calendar](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/calendar)
- [Search](https://www.curreyingram.org/search-results?q=)
- - [Inquire](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/request-information)

[![Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN](https://blog.curreyingram.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CurreyIngramAcademy_February2021/images/Logo.png?width=1538&height=379&name=Logo.png "Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN")](https://www.curreyingram.org/)

- [About](https://www.curreyingram.org/about) 
    - - Welcome
          - At Currey Ingram Academy we settle for nothing less than being a global leader for students with learning differences. By *promoting strengths and supporting differences*, our students receive the education they truly deserve.
    - - - [Welcome from Head of School](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/welcome-from-head-of-school)
                  - [Mission, History & Milestones](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/mission-history-and-milestones)
                  - [Honors & Affiliations](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/honors-and-affiliations)
                  - [Board of Trust](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/board-of-trust)
                  - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
                  - [Careers](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/careers)
                  - [Our Campus](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/our-campus)
                  - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/faculty-and-staff-directory)
                  - [Contact & Directions](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/contact-and-directions)
          - - [Learn More](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/welcome-from-head-of-school)
- [Admission](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission) 
    - - Admissions
          - Our Admissions team is here to guide you through the application process, from scheduling an in-person campus visit to completing the admission process.
    - - - [Welcome](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/welcome)
                  - [Admission Process](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/admission-process)
                  - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid)
                  - [Meet Our Students](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/meet-our-students)
                  - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/request-information)
                  - [Schedule a Tour](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/schedule-a-tour)
          - - [Schedule a Tour](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/schedule-a-tour)
                  - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics) 
    - - A Currey Ingram Education
          - At Currey Ingram Academy, we understand that students learn differently, so we must teach differently. Our teachers use evidence-based instructional practices and multi-sensory approaches to address each student’s learning profile.
    - - - [Academic Approach](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/academic-approach)
                  - [The Currey Ingram Advantage](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/the-currey-ingram-advantage)
                  - [Lower School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/lower-school)
                  - [Middle School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/middle-school)
                  - [Upper School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/upper-school)
                  - [LibTech](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/libtech)
                  - [Transcript Request Form](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/transcript-request-form)
- [Boarding](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding) 
    - - Residential Life
          - Open to students in grades 9-12, Residential Life at Currey Ingram Academy continues the mission of the day school program by providing extended academic support while building independence and promoting responsibility.
    - - - [Residential Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/residential-life)
                  - [Dorm Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/dorm-life)
                  - [Meet the Residential Life Staff](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/meet-the-residential-life-staff)
                  - [Student Profiles: Who We Serve](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/student-profiles-who-we-serve)
          - - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Student Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life) 
    - - Student Life
          - Located on a beautiful 83-acre campus, Currey Ingram students participate in a wide-range of outdoor experiences, afterschool activities, athletics, arts and rich traditions such as our Henderson House program that they look forward to all year long.
    - - - [Social & Extracurricular Opportunities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/social-and-extracurricular-opportunities)
                  - [Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts)
                  - [Service Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/service-learning)
                  - [Traditions](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/traditions)
                  - [Afterschool Activities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/afterschool-activities)
- [Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics) 
    - - Sports on Campus
          - Mustang Athletics is an educational-based athletics program that provides a competitive and safe environment. Offering both individual and team sports to students in grades K-12, all students are encouraged to participate.
    - - - [Mustang Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-athletics)
                  - [Mustang Coaches](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-coaches)
                  - [Team Schedules](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/team-schedules)
                  - [Tradition & History](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/tradition-and-history)
                  - [Facilities](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/facilities)
                  - [Partners](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/partners)
                  - [CIA Spirit Store](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/cia-spirit-store)
          - - [Meet the Coaches](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/athletics/mustang-coaches)
                  - [Spirit Store](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/athletics/cia-spirit-store)
- [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving) 
    - - Support Currey Ingram
          - It is through the philanthropy of our donors that Currey Ingram is able to provide life-changing, personalized instruction to support students with learning differences. From the Currey Ingram Annual Fund to planned giving, our Community Engagement team is is here to help guide you through the process.
    - - - [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/giving)
                  - [Give Online](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/give-online)
                  - [Annual Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/annual-giving)
                  - [Endowment & Scholarship Support](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/endowment-and-scholarship-support)
                  - [Planned Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/planned-giving)
          - - [Make a Gift](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/giving/give-online)
- [Community](https://www.curreyingram.org/community) 
    - - Our Community
          - Currey Ingram Academy's community initiatives provide a broad range of learning opportunities that reflect the needs and interests of the community while strengthening the community's understanding of learning differences.
    - - - [News & Events](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/news-and-events)
                  - [Currey Ingram Blog](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog)
                  - [Currey Ingram Podcast](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/currey-ingram-podcast)
                  - [The Diagnostic Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/diagnostic-center/welcome)
                  - [The Annette Eskind Institute of Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)
                  - [The Child Development Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/child-development-center)
                  - [Summer Programs](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs)
                  - [Scientific Advisory Board](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/scientific-advisory-board)
          - - [Learn](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)
                  - [Listen](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/community/currey-ingram-podcast)

- [MyCIA](https://curreyingram.myschoolapp.com/app#login)
- [Quicklinks](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/winter-2021-protocols) 
    - [Winter 2021 Protocols](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/winter-2021-protocols)
    - [Summer Programs](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/community/summer-programs)
- [About](https://www.curreyingram.org/about) 
    - [Welcome from Head of School](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/welcome-from-head-of-school)
    - [Mission, History & Milestones](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/mission-history-and-milestones)
    - [Honors & Affiliations](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/honors-and-affiliations)
    - [Board of Trust](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/board-of-trust)
    - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
    - [Careers](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/careers)
    - [Our Campus](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/our-campus)
    - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/faculty-and-staff-directory)
    - [Contact & Directions](https://www.curreyingram.org/about/contact-and-directions)
- [Admission](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission) 
    - [Welcome](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/welcome)
    - [Admission Process](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/admission-process)
    - [Tuition & Financial Aid](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid)
    - [Meet Our Students](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/meet-our-students)
    - [Request Information](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/request-information)
    - [Schedule a Tour](https://www.curreyingram.org/admission/schedule-a-tour)
- [Academics](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics) 
    - [Academic Approach](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/academic-approach)
    - [The Currey Ingram Advantage](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/the-currey-ingram-advantage)
    - [Lower School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/lower-school) 
          - [EARLY Intervention Approach](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/lower-school/early-intervention-approach)
    - [Middle School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/middle-school) 
          - [A Day in the Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/middle-school/a-day-in-the-life)
    - [Upper School](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/upper-school) 
          - [College Counseling](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/upper-school/college-counseling)
    - [LibTech](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/libtech)
    - [Transcript Request Form](https://www.curreyingram.org/academics/transcript-request-form)
- [Boarding](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding) 
    - [Residential Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/residential-life)
    - [Dorm Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/dorm-life)
    - [Meet the Residential Life Staff](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/meet-the-residential-life-staff)
    - [Student Profiles: Who We Serve](https://www.curreyingram.org/boarding/student-profiles-who-we-serve)
- [Student Life](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life) 
    - [Social & Extracurricular Opportunities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/social-and-extracurricular-opportunities)
    - [Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts) 
          - [Lower School Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts/lower-school-fine-arts)
          - [Middle School Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts/middle-school-fine-arts)
          - [Upper School Fine Arts](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/fine-arts/upper-school-fine-arts)
    - [Service Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/service-learning)
    - [Traditions](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/traditions)
    - [Afterschool Activities](https://www.curreyingram.org/student-life/afterschool-activities)
- [Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics) 
    - [Mustang Athletics](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-athletics)
    - [Mustang Coaches](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/mustang-coaches)
    - [Team Schedules](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/team-schedules)
    - [Tradition & History](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/tradition-and-history)
    - [Facilities](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/facilities)
    - [Partners](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/partners)
    - [CIA Spirit Store](https://www.curreyingram.org/athletics/cia-spirit-store)
- [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving) 
    - [Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/giving)
    - [Give Online](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/give-online)
    - [Annual Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/annual-giving)
    - [Endowment & Scholarship Support](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/endowment-and-scholarship-support)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.curreyingram.org/giving/planned-giving)
- [Community](https://www.curreyingram.org/community) 
    - [News & Events](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/news-and-events)
    - [Currey Ingram Blog](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog)
    - [Currey Ingram Podcast](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/currey-ingram-podcast)
    - [The Diagnostic Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/diagnostic-center/welcome)
    - [The Annette Eskind Institute of Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)
    - [The Child Development Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/page/child-development-center)
    - [Summer Programs](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs) 
          - [ADHD Summer Treatment Program](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs/adhd-summer-treatment-program)
          - [Camp Beech Creek](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs/camp-beech-creek)
          - [Reading Intensive Camp](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs/reading-intensive-camp)
          - [Sports Camps](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs/sports-camps)
          - [WRaP](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/summer-programs/wrap)
    - [Scientific Advisory Board](https://www.curreyingram.org/community/scientific-advisory-board)
- [Diagnostic Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center) 
    - [Welcome](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center/welcome)
    - [Psychoeducational Evaluations](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center/psychoeducational-evaluations)
    - [Other Evaluations](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center/other-evaluations)
    - [Reasons for Testing](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center/reasons-for-testing)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.curreyingram.org/diagnostic-center/contact-us)
- [Child Development Center](https://www.curreyingram.org/child-development-center)
- [Annette Eskind Institute of Learning](https://www.curreyingram.org/annette-eskind-institute-of-learning)

![Currey Ingram Blog](https://blog.curreyingram.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CurreyIngramAcademy_February2021/images/blog-banner.jpg)

# Currey Ingram Blog

## How to Raise Independent Children

Posted by [Currey Ingram Academy](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog/author/currey-ingram-academy) on Nov 20, 2020 9:45:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![bigstock-Doing-Homework-Outdoors-Small-371992942](https://blog.curreyingram.org/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Doing-Homework-Outdoors-Small-371992942.jpg?width=1600&name=bigstock-Doing-Homework-Outdoors-Small-371992942.jpg)

As parents, you only want the best for your children, and understandably so. With this in mind, many parents knowingly or subconsciously remove obstacles and shield their children from difficult tasks. While this might be done with the best intentions, it can hinder children from developing the skills and tools needed to build independence to succeed in school and in life.

Encouraging children to work situations out on their own helps them develop critical thinking skills, grit, and emotional resilience; they are able to handle failure and disappointment with maturity and grace. Instead of viewing challenges as difficulties, see them as opportunities for growth.

A [private school in Brentwood](https://www.curreyingram.org/), Currey Ingram Academy shares tips on how to raise strong, self-assured, and independent children.

**Break large tasks into small, manageable pieces.** According to the Brentwood private school, you can walk your child through each step of a process (i.e., making the bed) by explaining and demonstrating what has to be done in each step. Add another step after completing the previous one until your child is able to do everything without any help.

**Set achievable goals and celebrate small wins.** Tasks that seem too easy for grown-ups can be very difficult for a child. Remember this when you want your child to master a new skill. Suppose you want your child to learn how to set the table. You can start by asking your child how to carefully carry each item, with both hands and one at a time, to his or her spot at the table. Add more steps until your child can confidently arrange a complete setting with a placemat, plate, napkin, spoon and fork, and a glass.

**Teach your child to use positive self-talk.** Perseverance can be difficult to teach. When the going gets tough, children can overcome negative thoughts and self-defeating behavior with positive self-talk. Some examples of positive self-talk children can say to themselves include “I can do this,” “I can make it happen,” or “If I don’t get it right, it’s okay, I can try again.”

**Recognize the effort put into a task.** Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy believes in the impact of praise on a child’s performance. To develop perseverance and independence, praise children for the effort they put in and not for qualities they have little control of, such as intelligence or athleticism. 

**Praise and encourage more than correct.** Successful and independent children believe in their ability to grow and learn. Reminding them of what they could have done better without praising what was done well demoralizes them, leading them to doubt their capabilities.

There will be challenges along the way but in the end, raising independent children will give you a sense of accomplishment. You are giving them wings to fly, explore, and experience the world on their own terms. 

*A private school in Brentwood, [Currey Ingram Academy](https://www.curreyingram.org/) supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential - academically and socially - within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.*

*[![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4961656/e465cf6c-3cf1-4d2e-9f5d-869794fd8f01.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4961656/e465cf6c-3cf1-4d2e-9f5d-869794fd8f01)*

 Topics: [Learning](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog/tag/learning), [Parenting](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog/tag/parenting), [wellbeing](https://blog.curreyingram.org/blog/tag/wellbeing)

#### Currey Ingram Academy

##### [6544 Murray Lane](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6544+Murray+Lane+Brentwood+TN+37027) [Brentwood TN 37027](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6544+Murray+Lane+Brentwood+TN+37027)

*Main Office: [(615) 507-3242](tel:615-507-3242)  
Admissions: [(615) 507-3173](tel:615-507-3173)*

[Apply Online](https://curreyingram.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply)

 Currey Ingram Academy is an exemplary K-12 day and boarding school that empowers students with learning differences to reach their fullest potential. Since 2002, the school has been located on an 83-acre campus in Brentwood, Tenn., just miles from Nashville and Franklin. Families from 33 states and eight countries cite the school as their primary reason for moving to Middle Tennessee.

Currey Ingram Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and AdvancEd/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

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