Fostering Your Child's Independence
"Never do for a child what they can do for themselves" - Maria Montessori
Remember to have fun! Children move slower than adults. So, encourage your child's independence when you feel like you have time and are not stressed. For 3yrds choose a consistent time of day that is calm, establish a routine that includes some practical life skills and lets them practice choosing between two options. As your child becomes more confident their independence will grow and they will want to do more and more on their own. If your child shows signs of frustration or lack of interest, take a break, and try again in a few days or a week.
Below is a list of things you can do at home to help your child feel empowered in their daily life!
Practical Life Skills at Home:
- Put your child's clothes in low drawers or hang on low rods,
- Place a set of dishes in a low cupboard or drawer so that they can serve themselves.
- Place beverages in a smaller pitcher and let them serve themselves.
- Place snacks on a low shelf in the pantry or fridge so they are accessible to your child.
- Remind your child to tuck in their chair, clean up what they've used, and put things back where they belong.
- Buy and dress you child in clothes that they can put on and take off independently.
- If your child has an accident at school, they are expected to change their own clothing with minimal adult intervention.
- Children are expected to put on their own socks and shoes after nap time.
- If your child cannot tie their shoes, please buy Velcro or slip on shoes.
- Teach your child to cough or sneeze in their elbow. This will help control the spread of germs and illnesses in the classroom.
- Remind your child to always use a tissue for their noses instead if their fingers or clothing.
- Teach your child what their written name looks like. This will help them locate their items at school.
- Write you child's name on all items that come with them to school.
- This will help them learn to recognize their name as well as help prevent items from getting lost.
- Restroom - Remind your child to always flush the toilet, wash their hands with soap, and dry them on a towel after using the toilet.
- Lunch - Please only pack containers that your child can open and close on their own.
- Practice with your child at home to determine which containers are best.
- We have found that Ziploc reusable plastic containers are great and fairly easy for most children.
Here's to your child's success, happiness, and independence!