Do you want your kids to be independent confident adults? We all want our children to be independent and live life to the fullest, but we often wonder how to get them there. Here are 5 secrets to raising independent kids you don’t want to forget!
#1 Let them Do It
It is tempting to dress your two-year old just to get it done, but if you want your child to grow up to be independent, let them do it themselves. Let them dress themselves, put their shoes on, and feed themselves. The more opportunity you give them to do it the easier it will become.
#2 Be Confident in Them
90% of the time, children that aren’t independent lack the confidence they need to be independent. Be confident in your child’s abilities to do things. Instead of putting that straw in the juice box for them, tell them they can do it on their own.
#3 Give Them Opportunities to Make Decisions
Children who grow up to be independent are given ample opportunities to make decisions. They know what they like, what they don’t like, and how to make good choices. Though you can’t always make decision in life, it is important to give your children as many opportunities as possible to make them.
#4 Collaborate with Your Child
When a parent establishes complete control as an authoritative parent, the child learns to follow what they are told to do instead of learning to be independent. If you want independent kids, collaborate with your child on discipline, vacations, and rules.
#5 Teach Them that They Are in Control of their Lives
Many children believe happiness comes from doing well, being good, or becoming a certain person in society. Teach your child that they are responsible for their own choices, happiness, and consequences in life.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to raise independent kids that contribute to society in a positive way. What other parenting strategies have you found to that work at raising independent kids?
