Bonjour lecteurs. Encouraging independence in toddlers is an important step in their development. It’s a fantastic way to grow their confidence in the future. What not to like? They will grow into self-assured, optimistic kids and adolescents. Some parents adopt a process that is similar to hot-housing, which involves putting the kids through rigorous testing and training. However, no need to go that far. You can easily encourage toddler independence at home with 5 idées simples in your day-to-day life.
A Calm Sleeping Environment
We all know that a good sleep is très important to our well-being. Par exemple, we can lose concentration and productivity when we’ve not slept well. So pas de surprise that sleep is equally vital for children.
Even more when we know that they are constantly developing and forming neural connections that will be the basis for their learning and development now and in the future. So you must ensure that they have a calm sleeping environment from the early days.
They need a safe place for them to drift off, with no hazards. Some experts even go further and recommend to consider into transitioning to a floor crib. Have you ever heard about it? There are many floor crib pros and cons ; the best known argument is that kids can get in and out of the bed without risk of accident. Something to consider?
Self-Feeding
I absolutely loved that stage with Stanley. At first, I was a bit surprise as my mum spoon fed me as a bébé. There was no concept of baby-led weaning in the 80s.
But it was so much fun to see him testing the all the taste and textures even if it was messy at times.
Experts even go further by saying that we should let them help themselves. Apparently, it help make them food-resistant.
On top of it, it will develop their motor skills. Just start with baby-led weaning to then move on to child-sized utensils and cutlery to suit their little hands and fingers. To make it easier, select finger food so they can grab them easily. They learn so quick!
Independent Playtime
This is another one of my favs. Not only it’s fabuleux to witness it, but it will also develop their creative side.
Independent playtime encourage imagination and it’s also a good way to get them used to entertain themselves!
To help, include a varieté of toys, including modular options such as building blocks and characters. You would be amazed with what they can come up with. Stanley used to create all sorts of cities and worlds. He might end up being un architecte…
It’s so empowering! Feel free to praise them and they will feel even more spécial.
Let Them Dress Themselves
How you dress is a way to express your personnalité; it actually defines you.
So it makes total sense to let them dress themselves as young as possible. This way, they learn to make their own decisions when they select their clothes. It’s such an easy, yet subtle way to develop their independence from an early age.
Equally, encourage them to learn to dress themselves. Start by picking clothes that are easy to put on with no button or laces so they can get on with it on their own.
Bottoms with elasticated waistbands are great for this or even short sleeves and velcro fastening. You can even let them dress up their favourite toys.
It will probably take a bit longer for them to master the art of dressing, so allow more time in the mornings, especially if you are off to the nursery etc. Avoid rushing them, otherwise, they might get frustrated.
Routines Are Key
Like any skills in life, becoming an independent toddler can take time and practice.
It’s all about routines: it will bring some sense of structure and certainty, which are key ingredients in feeling confident.
And it does not have to add more work to your busy schedule. Par exemple, simply have set meal times or bedtimes. Or teach them to clean up before they can leave la table to watch TV or have some tablet time.
After all, 40% of your actions are not conscious decisions but habits. The toddler stage is the best moment to create those, so that they fit your family lifestyle. Further more, when they grow older, those routines will help them have a greater grasp of decision-making, which can really develop growing confidence.
Et voilà! Raising independent toddlers doesn’t have to be compliqué. It’s about giving them the practice and confidence to act and think for themselves. The best gift we can give them as they will be better prepared in adulthood.
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