10 Parenting Tips To Promote Independence Here are 10 parenting tips to promote independence in your children that can be done at home for little to no cost. If you have not yet read the Teaching Our Children Independence article I would encourage you to. It will give you a better understanding of why independence is so important and how it can increase your child's self esteem. 10 Parenting Tips Have a designated cupboard in the kitchen for your kid's dishes; make sure it's at a level they can get to on their own. By having a designated cupboard this also allows them to put away the dishes that belong in that cupboard. Invest in some glass dishes for them to use not only does this give them the sense that you trust them but if one does brake you can teach them the importance of taking care of things. They will see the logical consequence of a broken plate (it has to go in the garbage) and your child will quickly learn to be more careful with glass dishes. Places like the dollar store, Ikea, or garage sales are great places to shop for these items. Teaching your kids to fold laundry can be fun for them and this is a time saver once they get the hang of it. Start with items such as face clothes or towels the square corners make it easier to fold than a sweater. If you have a designated toy area in your house organize it buy giving each type of toy a spot. Buckets without lids or baskets stored on low shelves are great and if your child can read you could label them or put pictures on them, this allows your child to take out toys and put them back. This doesn't mean they will clean up their toys perfect every time (they are kids) but it does help when the area is really messy. When you say it's time to clean up the toy area it's not as overwhelming for the child because there is a spot for their toys and they can focus on one bucket at a time. When teaching your child to do new things like zipping up their jacket, remember to do the actions slow. We tend to take for granted how easy these tasks are for us, but to a child it is difficult. Also when teaching your child a new task sometimes talking less is better, children learn through observing, and repetition. This doesn't mean you shouldn't explain verbally; just keep it short and in simple terms. Invest in a child size jug so your child can practice pouring their own drinks, you can find these at the dollar stores. When speaking to your child use complete words and sentences as opposed to "baby talk" for example "Do you want your bottle (ba ba)?" Always keep in mind your child's mind is like a sponge and is absorbing everything around them. This can help with their communication skills which can lead to less frustration for both of you. You can prepare your child who is starting school how to open their lunch bag and containers. Before the school year starts pack them some lunches using the containers and lunch bag they will be using at school. You could even go on a picnic and pack their lunch in their lunch bag so they can practice in a fun way. When in the potty training stage buy clothes that will not hinder their independence such as belts or hard to do buttons. Before purchasing shoes or boots ask yourself if they will aid in your child's independence or hinder it. If they can't tie laces then buying shoes with laces could frustrate them. There are many educational toys that can help your child learn to tie, maybe as a reward after your child is successful buy new shoes with laces. Comments Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. First Name* First Name* E-mail Address Comment:   Other Links Have a prayer request? Christian Women Rock will pray. We at Christian Women Rock believe in the power of prayer when you send in a prayer request you have our word that we will be praying for you. God's Promise: Ever made a promise and didn’t keep it? God is the only one who is capable of being faithful to His promises every time. When we take a closer look at God’s promises it’s so amazing how many there are. Finding Balance in Your Family Life Today Discover the important role Christian women play in family life today, through balancing, prioritizing, and trusting God's way. Forgive others and ask for forgiveness, God can bring healing Forgiveness is a promise from God, when we ask for forgiveness God can bring healing and restore broken relationships. Bible Verse of the Day Christian Women Rock brings you a bible verse of the day. Begin or end your day by soaking up God’s word?

[?] Subscribe To This Site Prayer Request Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. First Name* First Name* Prayer request