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, 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 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.