Children and independence

We've talked a lot about helping children become good problem-solvers in recent blogs, and this is just one aspect of growing up and gradually becoming independent.

Part of a parent's job in the early years is to provide the framework in which independence has a chance to grow safely.

When your child is very young he is dependent on you for all of his basic needs. As he grows, you can start to provide him with opportunities to start to make choices and perform tasks for himself, while still ensuring that his needs are met. For a toddler, for example, you need to ensure he is dressed warmly in cold weather. But that doesn't stop you from allowing him to make a choice: "It's cold outside, so would you like to wear your blue jumper, or the red one?"

Happy holidays to all you parents and kids!

Cassie