Healthy Kids • YMCA Child Care
5 ways parents can help toddlers and preschoolers develop independence
28 July 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
“I want to do it by myself!”
“Don’t help me!”
“I’m a big kid — let me do it!”
These are common phrases parents of toddlers and preschoolers hear daily. The "Me Do It" / “I Do It” stage can be a challenging time for parents and children.
It’s a balancing act for parents — giving your child opportunities to develop new skills, while sticking to a daily routine or schedule.
Here are a few ways to foster independence in your toddler or preschooler, without losing your cool:
1. Set them up for success at home
Having things within arm’s reach allows toddlers and preschoolers to take charge of activities and complete tasks on their own. Clothing, school bags, and cutlery placed at their level encourage children to become self-starters and make them feel more in control of their daily routine.
2. Offer choices with limited options
An easy way to help toddlers develop independence and critical thinking skills is to let them make their own decisions when possible. Limit options so they learn to make their choice quickly and decisively. For example, instead of asking your child to choose an outfit to wear, ask them, “Do you want to wear a red shirt or blue shirt today?”
3. Avoid stepping in
If children want to try something on their own, let them. If you notice your child getting frustrated, avoid stepping in and completing the task for them. Instead, ask if they’d like your help, or talk them through doing it on their own. Resist redoing what they’ve done, and focus more on the skill development instead of the result.
4. Join a local play group
Joining a local play group or class like those at our YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres allows children to make new friends and gives them the opportunity to exert their independence in a safe environment.
5. Encourage risk-taking during play time
When children are encouraged to take risks during play time like climbing a tree or to the top of a play structure at the playground, it accelerates their cognitive development as well as their independence. They develop resilience and confidence in their abilities which in turn makes them more open to tackling new challenges on their own.
For more information about the programs and activities offered at our YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres, head on over to our Family Support Programs page.
“Don’t help me!”
“I’m a big kid — let me do it!”
These are common phrases parents of toddlers and preschoolers hear daily. The "Me Do It" / “I Do It” stage can be a challenging time for parents and children.
It’s a balancing act for parents — giving your child opportunities to develop new skills, while sticking to a daily routine or schedule.
Here are a few ways to foster independence in your toddler or preschooler, without losing your cool:
1. Set them up for success at home
Having things within arm’s reach allows toddlers and preschoolers to take charge of activities and complete tasks on their own. Clothing, school bags, and cutlery placed at their level encourage children to become self-starters and make them feel more in control of their daily routine.
2. Offer choices with limited options
An easy way to help toddlers develop independence and critical thinking skills is to let them make their own decisions when possible. Limit options so they learn to make their choice quickly and decisively. For example, instead of asking your child to choose an outfit to wear, ask them, “Do you want to wear a red shirt or blue shirt today?”
3. Avoid stepping in
If children want to try something on their own, let them. If you notice your child getting frustrated, avoid stepping in and completing the task for them. Instead, ask if they’d like your help, or talk them through doing it on their own. Resist redoing what they’ve done, and focus more on the skill development instead of the result.
4. Join a local play group
Joining a local play group or class like those at our YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres allows children to make new friends and gives them the opportunity to exert their independence in a safe environment.
5. Encourage risk-taking during play time
When children are encouraged to take risks during play time like climbing a tree or to the top of a play structure at the playground, it accelerates their cognitive development as well as their independence. They develop resilience and confidence in their abilities which in turn makes them more open to tackling new challenges on their own.
For more information about the programs and activities offered at our YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres, head on over to our Family Support Programs page.
