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Helping Your Child Develop His Own Independence

Sponsored Content from Kids R Kids Houston

October 23, 2014
According to BabyCenter.com’s article, Developmental Milestones, “At around 6 or 7 months, your baby begins to realize that he's separate from you and that you can leave him alone (for a short period of time).” A baby realizes he has his own hands and feet and begins to try new things to get to know his body. The road from dependence to independence occurs in a series of stages, although all along, it is important that parents help their baby through each stage.

Prepare for the road from dependence to independence:
  1. Decide now you want your child to become independent.
  2. Resist your natural impulse to always help, but do encourage.
  3. Allowing a child to struggle is one of the best ways to help develop his independence.
Your “help”can interfere with his opportunity to become independent. (Although while he attempts dependence with various activities, your encouragement and praise is needed).

Good to Remember:
  • If you do it for him, he won't have to do it himself. (This ‘helicopter’ behavior causes many problems as the child grows older).
  • If he doesn't struggle a little, he won't learn to do it for himself.
  • If he doesn't learn to do it for himself, he won't develop independence.
There will be many times when your child will try to do something for himself. As he works, he learns and develops. If you step in too soon, you take away the effort, as well as his learning and developmental opportunity. Praising your child for trying is an excellent form of encouragement as he makes the effort and succeeds.
Kids ‘R’Kids Learning Academies believes that happy, loved; connected children are destined for success in every facet of their lives. Our most cherished principle, “Hug First, Then Teach,” defines every aspect of who we are at Kids ‘R’Kids. When it comes to teaching, Kids ‘R’Kids understands the importance of involving families with their child’s developmental milestones and accomplishments. We hope you will drop by for a tour at one of our locations in the Houston area.  Find a school near you at www.krkhouston.com.