Tips to nurture independence in your preschooler

By the time, your child is three or so, you may notice that your child has deviated a little from its clingy ways. Gone are the days spent holding the edges of your pleated skirt. Most preschoolers have enough confidence in themselves and in the world around them to let go of mommy%u2019s hands and explore life%u2019s little mysteries on their own.

However, your preschooler swings from total self-reliance to desperate neediness at different times. Your child may want to let go of your hands while trying to walk with you in the mall. They may want to do their own dishes or take bath on their own. But in the night they may be too afraid to sleep in the dark and may want to cuddle with you in bed. The preschool years are a time of transition for your child. Your child is still not a baby and is not yet a school-going child. Your child may can hold a spoon and eat on its own, but still has accidents in the potty department.
As a mother, you can help your child through these wonderful years by nurturing your child%u2019s sense of self-reliance and independence. This would lay the foundation for raising an independent child. Here%u2019s how you can encourage your child sense of independence.
%u2022 Walk the fine line between too much freedom and too much discipline. Letting preschoolers do all that they want to do is like letting an elephant loose at a tea party. It%u2019s a surefire recipe for trouble. On the other hand, if you restrict them, discipline them and make all the choices for them, you are inhibiting their instinctive desire to think and act independently.
%u2022 Take small steps. Start by teaching your children to do small things on their own. Like brushing teeth or wearing shoes. Be patient and give them time to learn these things, one step at a time. Once your child has learnt some skills, allow them to try them out while you oversee.
%u2022 Reward independence. Reward your children when they do something on their own. Give them a hug and a kiss. Drive your child to the store for a candy or a cup of ice cream. Don%u2019t forget to reward independent thoughts and ideas, as well. This will encourage your child to think on her own.
%u2022 Don%u2019t be critical. Your child is bound to slip and fail, as it takes a long time to master new skills. Be patient and don%u2019t criticize or put them down. This will only discourage them further.
%u2022 Don%u2019t thrust independence and self-reliance on your child. If your child still chooses to be needy, let it be. Don%u2019t force the child to do something that it is not ready for. Every child is unique and it may take longer for some children to let go off the apron strings. Watch and wait, before you spring into action.