| It is important to help your child gain a sense of | | | | things they would normally do themselves. |
| independence. This can be especially important in | | | | Sometimes a child’s burgeoning confidence is |
| Dallas daycares and other childcare facilities. Your | | | | better supported by your additional comfort and help. |
| child may feel overwhelmed in such a setting and will | | | | Practice Situations with Your Child |
| need your support to overcome their discomfort. | | | | Helping your child find solutions builds independence so |
| As an important part of your child’s | | | | provide them with appropriate challenges from time |
| development and growth the development of | | | | to time. For instance, you can ask them to indentify |
| independence, learning self reliance, and gaining the | | | | potential problems or dangers and how to avoid |
| ability to solve one’s own problems. Here are | | | | them; what might they do to avoid falling on the |
| some ways to help foster independence and self | | | | playground or how could they go about completing a |
| esteem in your child. | | | | certain task. These questions can help them think |
| Making Choices | | | | about using their own abilities in specific situations. |
| Your child’s ability to make choices independently | | | | |
| is crucial in the development of self-reliance and | | | | Being a Part of Your Child’s Independence |
| self-esteem. Encourage your child to make choices | | | | When your child begins to display a better sense of |
| by giving your child the opportunity to make choices | | | | independence, or becomes frustrated or feels a lack |
| in a safe environment. However, only give your child | | | | of motivation in this regard, it is important to be a |
| choices when you are able to accept what your child | | | | part of the process. Share your child’s joys and |
| decides. Instead of asking your child if they want to | | | | express pleasure in their good decisions. While it is |
| go to bed, you may ask your child if he or she would | | | | helpful and even recommended to give your child |
| like to brush their teeth before or after a story. | | | | pointers as they try out new things, let them learn |
| Completing Tasks | | | | that they can do things on their own as well. |
| Help your child to set realistic goals and assist them in | | | | Speak with Your Child’s Caregivers |
| following through so that they complete their tasks. | | | | If your child is in a childcare facility, you can help build |
| This will help your child gain a personal identity and a | | | | your child’s independence and self-esteem with |
| sense of accomplishment. For example, two year | | | | their help and support. Speak to them regarding |
| olds are able to pick up their own toys, but they will | | | | your child’s progress, make sure you are |
| need encouragement and help to complete such a | | | | encouraging the same behaviors and learn what new |
| task. | | | | skills your child has been mastering at school. |
| When Your Child Needs Extra Support | | | | Reinforce your child’s growing independence at |
| While it is important to build your child’s | | | | home and remember that even as your child takes |
| independence, recognize when extra comfort or | | | | steps forward toward self-sufficiency, they will often |
| support are needed. When your child is tired or not | | | | regress when tired or stressed. |
| having a good day, your child may need you to do | | | | |