Tips for Growing in Independence with your Preschooler 

As your toddler grows into a preschooler, they start to take tiny steps into independence! We know you’re probably thinking, “No, not yet!” But, preschool can be a wonderful time of growing and learning new things for your child AND you as well! 

One of the most exciting milestones during this stage is witnessing your child’s opinions and ability to make their own decisions start to show up everyday. This is an important part of their  budding independence! It’s an essential part of their development that helps them gain confidence, build self-esteem, and prepare for the challenges of the future. 

So, how do you help foster this independence while still setting boundaries and keeping them safe? Here’s what we suggest: 

 

1. Encourage Decision-Making: Preschoolers are at an age where they are eager to make choices. Encouraging them to make age-appropriate decisions fosters a sense of control and independence. Test out offering them limited choices like letting them pick out which shirt to wear or choose between two healthy snacks.
2. Foster Self-Help Skills: Teaching your preschooler basic self-help skills is a crucial step in their journey towards independence. Encourage them to dress themselves, brush their teeth, and wash their hands. These small tasks not only build their confidence but also develop fine motor skills and a sense of responsibility.
3. Provide a Safe Environment: Independence goes hand in hand with safety. Ensure your home environment is childproofed so that your preschooler can explore and learn without constant supervision. This allows them the freedom to play and experiment while you maintain peace of mind.
4. Support Problem-Solving: Preschoolers are natural problem-solvers. Encourage their cognitive development by offering opportunities to solve simple problems. Ask open-ended questions that require them to think creatively and critically. For example, “How can we fix this puzzle?” or “What do you think we should do next?”
5. Promote Social Skills: Social interaction is a vital aspect of independence. Encourage your child to interact with others, whether it’s through playdates, daycare, or at preschool. These interactions teach them valuable lessons in sharing, communication, and cooperation.
6. Foster a Sense of Responsibility: As your child grows, they can take on more responsibilities. Simple chores like setting the table or feeding pets instill a sense of responsibility and accountability. Acknowledge their efforts and praise their accomplishments to boost their self-esteem!
7. Be Patient and Offer Guidance: This can be a challenging phase for both parents and children. Try to be patient as your child explores their newfound freedom!
8. Maintain a Routine: Consistency is key to nurturing independence. A daily routine provides structure and predictability, which can help your child feel secure as they take on new challenges. 
9. Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child’s milestones and achievements, no matter how small. Their first successful attempt at tying their shoes or dressing themselves is a significant step towards independence. Your praise and encouragement will motivate them to keep trying.

 

We know it can be unnerving to see your little one start to grow so quickly! You may be tempted to want to control everything for them out of an abundance of protection. However, with a little patience on both your parts, your child will start to exhibit great strides in newfound independence and social skills.

 

For questions or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.