The ABC of Learning
Promoting pre-schooler independence
While your child may still need quite a bit of help, they are capable of more than parents realise. Promoting independence in your child will only benefit them when they go to pre- school.
Expect more
Most people have a way of living up, or down, to expectations, pre-schoolers included. At school teachers expect the children to pour their own water at snack time, to throw away their rubbish, to hang up their jackets, and they do. Raise the bar and your child will probably stretch to meet it.
Resist doing what they can do
While it may be quicker and easier to do it yourself, it won’t help to make your child more self-sufficient. Appeal to her sense of pride. Ask them,“Do you want me to help you or can you do it yourself?” Children always want to do it for themselves.
Don’t redo what they’ve done
If your child makes their bed, resist the urge to smooth the blankets. If they dress themselves in stripes and polka dots, compliment their style. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t fix what your child accomplishes. They will notice and it may discourage them.
Let them solve simple problems
If you see your child trying to assemble a toy or get a book from a shelf that she can reach if she stands on a step, pause before racing over to help. Provided that they are safe, those moments
that you don’t rush in give your children a chance to solve things for themselves and these are the character-building moments.
Assign a chore
Putting your child in charge of a regular, simple task will build their confidence and sense of competency. A child who is entrusted to water the plants or empty the clothes dryer is likely to believe they can also get dressed by themselves or pour their own cereal. Just be sure the chore you assign is manageable and that it’s real work, not busywork. The goal is to make your child feel like a capable, contributing member of the family.
Praise is key with children, especially if your child is not in a cooperative phase. Try to catch them being good. Children repeat behaviours that get attention.
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