FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE
Independence is an important skill for young children to develop. Often the first time a provider needs to deal with independent issues is when the child first comes to your program. Teaching children independence is a natural part of a child’s separation process and is needed for autonomy.
Before a child enters your program, the child may have expected his/her parents to do most things for them. Parents are often in a hurry and can’t always facilitate their child to realize their autonomy.
For example: making time for a child’ repeated tries at zippering a jacket is not always feasible.
Family childcare offers great opportunities to promote children’s independence. In order for children to learn about their own abilities, resist doing everything for them. This will give the child courage to try things they may have never attempted before. The positive result is that usually children in family childcare will accomplish skills with greater ease, not because they are required to do so, but because they are given greater opportunity to do so. Here are a few things you can do to:
• Taking on and off their jacket: Make sure you schedule adequate time for them to accomplish these goals. Especially when they ae learning zippering or buttoning.
• Hanging coats and backpacks on accessible hooks: Have a place for children to hang their coats and store their belongings. Make sure that when children arrive in the morning there is a place with adequate space.
• Pouring their own juice: Having several small juice containers at the table will allow children to serve themselves.
• Setting the table: Allowing the children to assist in setting the table, handing out napkins or spoons and forks.
• Cleaning up after meals: Give children damp paper towels and allow them to wipe clean their area where they ate.
• Picking up their toys: Learning responsibility by helping out are good ways to enhance independence.
Children will often make mistakes. Allowing them a safe and positive environment will allow them to develop self-reliance and self-esteem. Both are instrumental components in early learning. This requires patience and understanding of your role in the child’s development.
For example: Allowing a small child to pour their own milk can be considered more work for you. However, when you consider that your role is to assist children in their healthy growth and development, you understand that this is part of your job.
The development of self-help skills and independence goes hand in hand. Any way you can reinforce these important behaviors enhances your family childcare environment and the independence of the children enrolled in your program.