A key task of parenting is raising independent, self-motivated children who are able to appropriately use the support of parents and friends as they grow. You can help your child develop a healthy sense of independence. Independence is an important aspect of your child’s development. From the age of two, children strive for more independence. From this age, you should encourage independence in your child to make simple choices about their lives.

The degree of independence you can expect form you child must appropriate to their age and abilities and varies with each different situation. Children may be more independent in some situations than others.
It can be a common pitfall for busy parents to do things for children that children are capable of doing themselves. Though it may actually take more time initially for parents to support children to do age-appropriate tasks for themselves, your child’s self confidence and independence will grow as a result.

It can be a common pitfall for busy parents to do things for children that children are capable of doing themselves. Though it may actually take more time initially for parents to support children to do age-appropriate tasks for themselves, your child’s self confidence and independence will grow as a result.

Activities to Encourage Independence in Toddler

1. Picking out clothes. This is a great activity to do at night before bed, especially if the morning is busy. You can also have children pick out clothes for the whole week on Sunday. Fashion battles may happen, but it’s a good learning experience for everyone.

2. Getting themselves dressed. While it certainly takes longer for your toddler to get themselves dressed, allow extra time so that they can do these things themselves. If you see they are getting frustrated or if it is taking too long, resist the urge to take over. Instead, ask if they want help or try to coach them through doing it on their own. Give encouragement when they complete the task.

3. Setting table or cleaning up table after meal. Giving the kids a role in the family meal is not only great for building independence, but it also models the value of everyone pitching in with chores. You can start by having your child simply bring his plate over to the counter near to the sink. Over time, that has expanded to clearing his plate in the trash, bringing our plates over and putting condiments away.

4. Putting away toys. This one can be a struggle, especially when the playroom looks as if a tornado hit it. But you can try to make this a priority as much as possible – and do it together! And you can easily make a game out of it – “Whoever gets a bin filled up, gets a hug!”

5. Cleaning room – making bed, dusting, putting away laundry. It’s helpful in getting kids started early with chores – there are lots of chores that kids can help do.

6. Putting away coats, shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes when entering the house. You can encourage both kids to hang coats, put away shoes, empty lunchbox containers into sink and stow backpacks.

7. Taking care of a pet. Feeding the dog/cat/fish, filling water bowls or cleaning fish bowls, walking the dog, giving pets a bath – there are so many responsibilities that toddlers can take on when caring for a pet. An added benefit is that they learn about compassion and caring for others.