How to Teach Your Kids to Be More Independent

1. How to Teach Your Kids to Be More Independent Submitted By - Salintha Gunasekara PalosVerdesMontessori@gmail.com (310) 541-2405 28451 Indian Peak Road, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

3. Just imagine how much easier your life would become if your kids arrange their toys once they are done playing, fix their snacks, pack their lunches, help you in some household chores. Teaching kids to be independent will not just make your life easier, it will help kids also to become responsible human beings. Although teaching Montessori Torrance, CA kids to be independent can be a little tricky at times, you can use these strategies to help them feel more confident and be more responsible but take one small step at a time.

5. Make your expectations known to your kids: You may have noticed that kids normally try to meet your expectations as long as the expectations are clear and doable. But if you expect too much, they are more likely to give up. Try to set up expectations that are slightly higher than what your kids are doing now put them forward very clearly. You have to be very clear in sharing your expectations with your kids. Like, “ I expect you to keep your toys organized once you are done playing.” Or “I expect you to brush your teeth independently in the morning.”

7. Spend time teaching something new to kids: You may it easier to do most of his tasks yourself rather than teaching them how to do that. But always taking the easier way will not help your kids to be independent. Instead of doing things for them spend some time teaching the same task to your kids. Be with them and assist until they learn to be independent. In Preschool Torrance, CA, teachers give simple instructions and encourage their students to do certain tasks independently. For example, let your toddler brush their teeth, get ready for their school or have their snacks independently.

9. Establish a routine: • Most kids work better when they have routines in place. A daily schedule would help them to know what needs to be done and in what order. For example, in their morning routine you can include the following tasks: • Brushing their teeth and washing face • Taking bath • Combing their hair • Getting dressed for school • Having their breakfast • Packing their school bag • Like this, you can establish clear routines that will help kids know what to do next.

10. Shape their behavior: Start shaping children’s behavior from an early age. Help them to learn how to control their emotions when they feel upset or angry. Demonstrate the right behavior in front of them, they will pick that up by observing you. Provide positive feedback when they are doing good, redirect them when they are about to do something wrong.

12. Praise your kids and reward them: Whenever you see your kids doing good or following their daily routine with no or less assistance from you (at least one task), please praise them. You can even reward them for being independent. In Preschool Torrance, CA teachers maintain a star child chart for the kids who show independence in doing certain tasks. The stars encourage the little ones to be more proactive in becoming independent human beings.

14. Reference Montessori Torrance, CA PalosVerdesMontessori@gmail.com (310) 541-2405 28451 Indian Peak Road, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

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