When children are babies, they need their parents’ help for every single thing they do. But before you know it, your little one will be growing at a rapid pace. Toddlers and preschoolers will still need your help with many things, especially in helping them build their independence. Self-confidence is a life skill that will allow them to succeed in school and build healthy relationships.! Here are some tips and activities you can start practicing with your preschool to help foster their independence:
Let Them Help With Household Chores
You might think your little one is too young, but they’re more capable than you might think! Starting around two years old, children can handle simple chores like wiping up spills and putting dirty clothes in the hamper. In fact, they’ll feel proud and accomplished when they help the adults in their lives! Check out the lists we compiled in this blog for age-appropriate chores for preschoolers and a few tips on making chores a part of your child’s daily routine.
Provide Them With Choices
Offer your child options when you can and empower them to learn how to make their own choices. Build their emerging sense of self by letting them help pick out their clothes for the day, select their pajamas, choose their favorite healthy snacks, and decide what games and activities they want to play. You can give them two or three options to choose from that all work for you. A large part of building autonomy is respecting and listening to your children’s choices.
Give Them Time and Space To Complete Simple Tasks
When you notice your child can do certain things independently, like brush their teeth, get dressed, or put on their shoes, let them do it. Even though they may be slower (for now) at getting these things done, giving them time to complete simple tasks on their own can make them feel capable and independent. Next time you’re planning your family’s schedule for the day, try to set aside extra time to allow your child to do a few things on their own.
Independent Play
Independent play comes with big benefits for your child’s development! The best toy choices for independent play are ones that children can explore in many different ways. Think balls and baskets, dolls or stuffed animals, cardboard boxes of all different sizes, and blocks or figurines. For toddlers and preschoolers, look for toys that are developmentally appropriate and highly engaging.
Just for context, a two-year-old’s attention span is about five to six minutes, while three and four-year-olds can pay attention for up to ten minutes. If your child is new to independent play, have them start with just five minutes. As they discover the joy of playing without a parent present, you can extend their independent play time to support their imagination and creativity.
Help Prepare Meals
Bringing your child into the kitchen to help with meal prep, cooking, and baking can be a big confidence booster. It can also boost language development, enhance motor skills, and build basic math skills! Simple jobs like measuring and pouring liquid into a bowl, using cookie cutters, or decorating pizzas with their favorite toppings are a good fit for most preschoolers.
The Gardner School Is a Partner for Parents
We pride ourselves on being a resource for parents so every child can grow into a happy, healthy, and independent individual. Check out more of our blog articles and subscribe to our newsletters to see how we work to foster independence and develop young leaders at The Gardner School. Contact us today to schedule a tour to see our beautiful learning spaces.