August 29, 2022 // Franchising.com // As we prepare to embark on a new school year, it’s essential to consider not only developing reading, writing, and math skills but also fostering a child’s independence skills. Independent children approach the world with a confident mindset. They demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and the view of themselves as active agents who can change their outcomes.
Does this sound familiar?
“Grab your backpack.”
“Where’s your lunchbox?”
“Did you get your homework folder?” School mornings can be hectic, and you hope your child gets everything they need out the door for a successful day at school. However, have you ever returned home after drop-off and seen the homework folder sitting on the kitchen counter or received a call from your child for forgotten items mid work meeting? You ponder how you should respond - disrupt your busy workday to take the item to school or let your child go without it?
How do I balance support and independence with my child?
Indeed, it’s difficult at times to know where the “just right” space is between being overprotective and giving a child enough leeway to exercise their independence. You can ask yourself a few questions:
We all want to see our children avoid the consequences of being late or unprepared. However, when we come between children and their daily situations, we may be standing in the way of their independence. For example, missing a homework submission will likely reinforce to your child the importance of packing their homework folder next time. Leaving a lunchbox at home and having to eat a school-provided lunch can prompt a child to remember their lunch before getting in the car or walking to the bus stop.
When children figure out solutions to their problems, they learn to rely on themselves. Additionally, memories serve as great teachers. You only touched a hot surface once as a child, didn’t you? The unpleasant experience and accompanied memory kept you from making the same poor decision twice.
Use these few tips to guide your child towards greater independence:
Best in Class Education Centers are passionate about equipping students with the skills they need to be successful in school and thrive in all they do. We know that independent kids will become tomorrow’s community and thought leaders.
SOURCE Best in Class Education Centers
Best in Class is a premium education center providing supplemental education and committed to building students' foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills.