A Parents Guide to Helping Children Become More Independent Presented by: Dianntha, Kate, Michaela,

1
A Parents Guide to Helping Children Become More
IndependentPresented by Dianntha, Kate,
Michaela, Sherry
2

Preparing for autonomy

• Parents should recognize that they may experience
  mixed feelings about the emergence of autonomy in
  their toddler.
• Toddlers need to be allowed to practice making
  choices in ways that cause no harm to themselves
  or others.
• Social safety is as important as physical safety
  for children. Social safety involves teaching
  toddlers how to avoid social perils such as
  wiping their nose on a playmates clothing or
  spitting on a neighbors child.

• Parents should support efforts of their child to
  be autonomous without overestimating or
  underestimating the childs capabilities or the
  external dangers and internal fears that the
  child might face.
• Increased self-esteem in the toddler is the
  natural outcome of supportive parenting. If
  parents consistently show disapproval of
  failures, then a pattern of blame and self-doubt
  may emerge on which the toddler forms negative
  ideas about self- worth and ability.

3
Make your home safe for your little explorer.

• To really develop her independence, your child
  must constantly test limits by exploring her
  surroundings. That's why it's important to make
  sure your home is toddler-safe. Instead of
  running around saying "no" every time she touches
  something that could harm her, put dangerous
  objects out of her reach and lots of safe fun
  stuff within it. This will give her a little more
  autonomy, and you some added peace of mind.

4
 Allow your child to take the lead.

• Every parent needs to set limits, but sometimes
  it's okay to let your toddler take the reins
  even if her decisions seem outlandish. If, for
  example, your 2-year-old insists on wearing her
  swimming suit in home, let her at some point
  she'll notice that it make no sense. By allowing
  her to come to that conclusion on her own, you
  give her the chance to learn and grow.

5
Learning how to say NO

• In order to behave in a self-controlled way,
  toddlers must first be able to think of
  themselves as separate individuals who are able
  to direct their own actions.
• Self-control first appears as compliance between
  12 and 18 months of age. Toddlers demonstrate
  that they are aware of the adults wishes and are
  also able to obey requests.

• One way that toddlers assert their autonomy is to
  resist the directives of adults with actions and
  expressions such as NO!
• While annoying, in small measure this
  non-compliant behavior is normal and is, in fact,
  a healthy sign of psychosocial growth. Usually,
  compliant behavior outweighs oppositional
  behavior in homes where care giving is warm and
  sensitive.

6
 Show her the ropes

• Being able to do a job well is key to a sense of
  independence and accomplishment in your toddler.
  But to foster her abilities, you'll have to
  demonstrate tasks slowly and clearly, breaking
  them down into separate actions. Walk her through
  each step of clearing her place at the table, for
  instance (first carry the plate to the sink, then
  the cup, then the silverware). Then watch how she
  does it on her own, and give her lots of pats on
  the back for trying.

7
 
Let her pitch in

• When your toddler sees you doing anything vaguely
  interesting cooking, cleaning, putting together
  furniture she wants to get in there with you
  and help. When this happens, try to find a way
  for your child to assist you. She may not be able
  to stir a pot of spaghetti sauce, for example,
  but you can ask her to fetch you the ladle, then
  let her put the place mats on the table.

8
 Resist the urge to jump in.

• If you've assigned a job to your toddler, let her
  see it through, even if it takes her twice as
  long as it would you. Unless you're in a real
  hurry, let her take five minutes to fold her
  nightgown in the morning she'll feel more
  accomplished afterward than if you finished her
  work for her.

9
References

• Calgary Health Region. Autonomy Fact Sheet.
  Available
• http//www.lifelongmentalhealth.com/fact_sheet_pdf
  /Infants2/Autonomy.pdf
• http//www.babymasry.com