In today’s world, time is precious. We are always rushing from one place to the next. This life style causes many children to become less independent. The reason is because when parents are in a hurry,  it is sometimes easier to just do something for your child, instead of letting them have the time to do it on their own. However, the problem with this… is that your child will always expect for someone else to do something for them. They will become more dependent, and less independent. Here are the top 5 things you should let your child do for themselves, when they are old enough and able to do so.

1. Tie their own shoes: Despite the extra few minutes it takes for them to do it on their own, let them do it! The practice will help them and it will make them more self-sufficient at home, school, camp, etc.

2. Put their jacket on: Teach them a trick to put on their own jacket. Once they know how to do it, let them do this on their own. Start getting ready to leave your house just a few minutes earlier than usual, and let them do this independently!

3. Open food containers: Whether its a bag of chips, a straw, or a banana… encourage your child to open food on their own. Some little tricks include ‘pinch, pinch, pull’ for a bag of chips.

4. Pack/Unpack their bag: When your child is old enough to have a bag to bring to school, etc… let them be the one to pack or unpack it. It gives them independence, responsibility, and a sense of ownership over their things.

5.Clean up: From an early age, you can encourage your child to follow the simple rule ‘you make a mess, you clean it up’. It might take your child longer to clean, than if you just did it yourself, but trust us! Holding them accountable to cleaning up will cause them to become more independent and responsible for themselves!

Let us know if you have other times of the day, where you let your child be independent, despite it taking more time!

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