This week I want to focus on these two skills: Independence and Responsibility. Let’s look at the importance of independence. Why is this such a vital skill to master?
Independence Creates:
- Confidence
- A sense of self
- A “can-do” attitude
It cultivates, patience, grit, self-drive and most importantly self-trust. Without independence, your child will not develop into the unique individual they are meant to be. As younger children take on more responsibility they begin to see themselves as being capable, this, in turn, gives them the confidence to try new things.
Responsibility is as important. Let’s look at some reasons why you should raise responsible children.
Essential Elements Of Responsible Behaviour:
- Honesty
- Compassion
- Respect
- Fairness
- Accountability
- Courage
With all the attributes mentioned above, your child will be able to face whatever challenges the future brings. As we all know the future, and the challenges it brings, is uncertain. What is certain, is that your child will have to be responsible and independent to succeed.
Tips On How To Raise More Responsible And Independent Children
- Encourage your child to carry and pack their own belongings.
- Give your child responsibilities at home i.e. set the table.
- Teach them to tie their own shoelaces.
- Teach them your cell number and address.
- Give them a say in what they want to wear.
- Teach them to blow their own noses.
- Teach them to dress themselves.
- They must follow simple instructions without you repeating them.
- Allow them to make mistakes.
- Don’t intervene when things go wrong, let them figure it out.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Create learning moments where they must make a plan or think about the solution themselves.
- Forget perfection.
- Stop and wait.
- Don’t jump to accommodate every request.
Encourage independence and responsibility by teaching young children age-appropriate tasks and problem-solving skills. When they exhibit responsible behavior reward them by telling them they have done a great job. This will make them feel good and motivate them to continue learning a sense of responsibility.
At Shelanti we form an instrumental part in helping pupils through this process, providing a nurturing and supportive environment and fostering these qualities as part of our core values.