Write an article based on this "Set age appropriate goals. Create clear, simple steps. Model every activity. Use "first/then" phrasing. Give the child a choice. Use encouraging words."
You can help your child become independent by teaching them to do things on their own. Make sure that you know what to expect from your child at different ages. You want to set age appropriate goals so that your child doesn't get frustrated. Children between 18 and 36 months can do things like: wash hands with help, learn to use the toilet, and put clothes in the hamper. Children around 3 years old can often: put things in the trash, brush teeth (with help), and carry non breakable dishes from the table. Children who are 4 and 5 can begin to: dress by themselves, understand 2 step directions, and follow simple routines. Whether you are teaching a new skill or setting a routine, give your child easy to follow instructions. Break the skill into small steps. Talk your child through each step. For example, maybe you are teaching your child to wash hands. You could break that down into small steps like: climb on the step stool, turn on water, hold hands under water, put soap on hands, rub hands together, rinse under water, and dry hands on towel. Since you're walking your child through these steps, you don't need to worry right away about whether or not they can memorize multiple steps. That will come with time and repetition. One of the best ways to teach your children is to demonstrate. As you are talking, do the actions that you are describing. For example, if you are explaining hand washing, go through each step as you describe it to your child. You can do it first, or alongside them. Sometimes your child might not like certain activities. For example, they could dislike brushing their teeth. Tell them "First, brush your teeth, then it will be time for a snack." You could also say something like, "First, put your toys away. Then we can play with the puppy." This phrasing can help encourage kids to do things they dislike. Part of teaching independence involves helping kids make decisions. You can build up to actual decisions by starting with choices. Incorporate them into daily activities. For example, if you are teaching them to get dressed, you can say, "Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue one?" If you are trying to get them to eat a healthy snack, say, "Do you want a banana or an apple?" Although these activities are simple for adults, remember that they are new and sometimes hard for kids. Be patient and use encouraging words. Each time your child tries a new skill, reward them with positive words. You can say: "Amy, you did a great job squeezing the toothpaste onto the tube. You're really learning!" Even when your child makes a mistake, you can correct them while being kind. Try "Ethan, that's not where our toys go. I bet next time you will put them in the right bin! You're getting good at that."