An independent attitude is something that is important for everyone to have. In order to get used to being independent, this attitude needs to be trained and educated from childhood. If not, then child may continue to depend on parents or people around him and find it difficult to adapt to the environment as an adult.
Every parent wants to have independent children. There will be pride when children can do simple things and not always depend on their parents.
Not only for parents' pride, independence is also an important provision for children when they are adults and have to face the world with more severe challenges than childhood.
Smart Tips for Educating Children to be Independent
Practicing an independent attitude in children can be applied from the small things that he usually does. Everything you teach will affect the child's ability to behave, including fostering an independent attitude in him. However, the method must be adjusted to the age, growth and development of the little one.
There are several ways that can be done to train children's independence, namely:
1. Start by giving small tasks
How to train children to be independent can be started by giving small tasks, such as involving children to do homework. Give him tasks that are light but useful, such as daring to sleep alone, making the bed, cleaning toys, folding clothes, sweeping, or babysitting.
Small activities like this can teach children to be responsible, increase self-confidence, and of course form an independent character in themselves.
2. Let the children make their own choices
An independent child is a child who is not too dependent on others for business that he can solve on his own. Therefore, you need to get your little one to make his decisions and not to force your desires on him too much.
Instead, you can provide input on the decisions your little one will choose in an educational way. Give an explanation from the positive and negative sides if he wants to do something.
If the choice made by your child is wrong, give an easy-to-understand explanation so that he can make a better choice later. This method is also a form of parenting good for little ones.
3. Don't always help
The older the child, of course, he will be interested in doing many things, such as tying shoelaces, buttoning clothes, taking his own food, or learning to cook. You can use this to train your little one to be more independent.
When he has difficulty, you should not immediately provide assistance. Let your little one try first and provide support so he doesn't give up easily. Support your little one so he can do these activities alone and be more independent in doing them in the future.
4. Provide a child-friendly environment
When your little one is in the process of learning to be an independent child, you need to make sure the home environment is safe and friendly for him. For example, when he learns to bathe himself, make sure the bathroom floor is clean and clean.
When your little one learns to wash dishes or cook on their own, give him plastic plates and cups or choose less risky cooking activities, such as picking and washing vegetables and fruits.
5. Appreciate every effort
When your little one does something good and is able to grow his attitude of independence little by little, make sure you and your family always give him praise.
Although it looks trivial, but giving praise for all the efforts that children make can increase their enthusiasm to move forward and want to develop their independent attitude.
Practicing independence in children cannot be done instantly. It takes time for them to understand and apply it. The most important thing is that parents must be good examples so that children can know how to behave and behave.
If necessary, Mom and Dad can find a special way that fits the character and nature of the Little One by consulting a psychologist.
