Autonomy in children is an essential task to turn them into resourceful and self-assured individuals capable of navigating society effectively.
How to foster autonomy in young children
Establish their responsabilities
Give them tasks such as making their bed, brushing their teeth, doing their homework, etc…
Allow them to explore independently
Let them explore the world on their own; this cultivates their abilities in relation to society and builds self-confidence. We should provide them with the necessary means to carry out their tasks.
Let’s respect their independence and offer the security of our company when they ask for it.
Set boundaries
Maintain assertive communication
Additionally, it is crucial to respect their emotional state; there may be days when they don’t feel like being as “autonomous” and may desire some comfort.
During such times, let’s provide them with the warmth of our company. Not everything has to be followed so strictly, but rather, we should strive for a healthy balance between autonomy and support.