Independence in self-care.
Author: Alejandra Galeana
Independence is the ability to do things for ourselves and to think for ourselves. Your child becomes independent through their own activity. What should you let your child do? By being included in simple daily activities, they begin to understand routines, their role in the family and their own abilities. When you offer them choices at the right time and only lend a hand when they need help, you are telling them: "I know you can do it yourself." They gain skills, confidence and an "I can do it" attitude that will stay with them for life.
To promote independence we need three basic conditions:
- Create an accessible environment;
- Teach children everyday skills;
- Follow the child's pace.
INVITE THEM TO CHOOSE. For a young child it is difficult to choose even when the options are few, so ask them to choose between two garments, which one they would prefer, or perhaps pick by color.
GIVE THEM TIME. At first, choosing clothes can be overwhelming for a young child, so it is highly recommended to give them time, to create a relaxed situation at dressing time and avoid tantrums.
WHAT DOES "LET ME DO IT" MEAN? Helping children do the things that their physical size and abilities allow them to do on their own will strengthen their independence. Having children learn to dress, wash and pour themselves drinks makes them feel capable. Depending on their age, children can be a great help at home: they can clean their room, help cut vegetables, wipe up spills, dust, set the table, carry food to the kitchen, make flower arrangements, and so on. By learning to look after guests and be good hosts, children learn to work with neatness. Children who feel respected and understood develop a sense of emotional well-being, unlike those who are constantly scolded. Practical life activities in the Montessori system help children develop feelings of calm, concentration, self-discipline and self-confidence. In the words of Maria Montessori: "Being able to do something for oneself is the basis of independence. This experience is not a game. It is work that children have to do in order to grow."
DRESSING ON THEIR OWN
One of the important aspects of early childhood is learning to dress. It can be attempted as the child gains more control of their motor skills, and we can help by placing their clothes in drawers they can reach without difficulty and by putting out only a few garments so that choosing is easy.