Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
10 Effective Tips to Make Your Child Independent
Young children rarely understand the concept of doing things on time and being responsible for their actions. The school bell might ring in the next 20 minutes, but your kid is still happily dozing off even after you woke him up three times. Parents often wonder how to make kids independent in the right way, without coming across as a punishment. And that’s pretty much the key. Inculcating the tendency to be independent takes a while since it needs to start stemming from within. As a parent, you can nudge your kids in the right direction with a few tips and let them discover their own independence in their own way.
Why Should Kids Learn To Be Independent?
Your kids might be little ones today but eventually, they are going to grow up to be fully functioning adults. Learning a few life skills early in life can make them well-prepared to handle the demands of adulthood.
Children do take a while to understand the concept of choices and make a decision that they think is best for them. By introducing choices early on in their life, children can start knowing themselves better and understand what truly makes them happy.
Life isn’t all happiness and enjoyment all around. There will be moments when your child will fail to do what was expected of him. But if he is independent, he will recognise his mistakes, come to you for support, and be open to guidance in performing better.
Self-esteem within a person is developed at quite an early age. And this can be stronger if a child starts having faith in himself and his own decisions. Independence helps in this regard and makes a child feel worthwhile early on.
Books contain information but knowledge is gleaned only through action. The difference between warning your child about a danger and your little one actually facing it is a huge one. Being independent allows your child to start learning things by himself and be better informed as a person.
How To Teach Children To Be Independent?
There are numerous ways to train your child to be independent without having to handle everything by himself, and still enjoy his childhood the way he should.
1. Give Him Responsibilities He Can Handle
Your child does not need to start handling the finances of the house and make big decisions. Independence needs to begin from the self and that is where you can help your kid. If you are planning a picnic and need your child to help you out with it, give him simple tasks such as making a list of items you might need or going ahead and packing his own bag for a short weekend trip you might be taking.
2. Avoid Hand-Holding Your Child
Many parents confuse guidance with hand-holding and constantly intervene in the child’s actions if he is doing something wrong or is taking longer than needed. At early ages, it is good to guide your child with some instructions or open-ended suggestions that inform him of the possibility that the task can be completed in an easier way. As he grows up, let him come to you if he needs help, rather than intervening needlessly.
3. Introduce Choices With Limited Options
Asking your child what he’d like to eat at a restaurant can get quite overwhelming for him since the restaurant menu is quite expansive. Instead, pick a bunch of options from the menu and ask him to choose amongst those. Starting off with a limited array can help him make a choice easily and prepare him for newer ones.
4. Let Him Make His Own Decisions At Times
You might prefer to have your child do his homework before he goes out to play. But he might prefer playing first and then completing his homework. Allow your child some degree of freedom in smaller aspects, such as choosing what to wear or what snack to eat in the evening. And as long as he does what he promises, you shouldn’t have a problem.
5. Have Empathy Towards Him
Your child is just learning to be independent and it isn’t easy for him as well. Avoid scolding him or putting him down, even if he fails to do something that is quite simple. Be there to support him and help him out if he asks for it, without judging him.
6. Don’t Make a Failure a Big Issue
Children will fail. They will make mistakes. And they might even repeat them despite your warnings. Avoid focusing on the failure. Do let your child know what he could have done better, but don’t connect the failure with him. This can hamper his self-esteem tremendously.
7. Teach Him To Solve Problems Independently
Be it school-related problems or any issues he might have with siblings or friends, let your child know that certain problems have to be resolved by him and you can’t help him with those. Guide him if needed by providing him with a different perspective of the situation.
8. Establish a Proper Routine
Children can have trouble making decisions for themselves if they don’t think sequentially. This can be easily handled by establishing a fixed routine for them. Once your kid knows what needs to be done on a particular day and at a particular time, he will start doing it all by himself.
9. Teach Negotiation
Many children tend to start viewing the world as a win and lose proposition. Open up your child to the world of compromise and negotiation and he will start understanding to make the best of the situation that is presented before him. He can either choose the picnic location or the picnic lunch but he cannot do both. This will help him prioritise his own preferences, too.
10. Don’t Forget To Encourage
When your child does the things he promised in the right way and all by himself, don’t hesitate to tell him how proud he makes you. Positive feedback is essential in shaping your child’s personality the right way and the validation of parents goes a long way in that regard.
There’s quite a difference between making a toddler independent and teaching kids to do certain activities by themselves. But once your child starts getting used to the environment at school, you can gently start asking him to do the simple activities by himself. These can slowly sow the seeds of independence within him.
Also Read:
How to Teach your Kid to Behave Well
Moral Values You Must Teach Your Kids
Effective Ways to Praise Your Child Read more
Check out this new Memory
rashmi
Mom of a 3 m old girl
2 mins ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Your Baby This Week : 2 Month Week 1 Old
Coos are your baby’s way of expressing joy, as well as to exercise his vocal chords. You are able to carry on a “conversation” with your baby now. When he gurgles or coos, say a word or coo back at him. Then, wait for him to “say” something back to you. This kind of conversation, may not sound like much to you, but it is in fact the early stages of learning to speak. During your baby’s first few months, he will have watery bowel movements during the day, whether or not he was breast-fed or formula-fed. This is because a newborn’s intestines don’t absorb food as well as an older child, and a lot of the food that he eats is passing through the body, exciting the stool. When he starts eating solids in a few months, he may only have one bowel movement a day. At this point, you’ll notice some major changes in the stool’s color, texture, and smell. What is important is not how often he will move his bowels, but how hard his stool is. If your baby is formula-fed, his stool is going to be a little firmer than if breast-feeding.
Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Self Love and Self Care Doesn't Make You Selfish
From the time you see those two pink lines, your happiness knows no boundaries and to the moment when you look at your baby is the time you dream about those sweet moments that you will cherish with your baby. What a feeling it is! You dream about those sparkling eyes, those tiny little feet, a bundle of joy to cuddle and what not.
And finally the most awaited day arrives, you hold your bundle of joy in your hands. And you go into a flashback of your whole journey of carrying your baby in your womb and you getting emotional with those tears of happiness in your eyes. That is how I exactly felt when I saw my baby for the first time.
But this is not it! The actual journey started after that. Yes the journey of Motherhood, and being a first-time mum is not less than a roller coaster ride. The first few months were full of mixed feelings and emotions. There were sleepless nights, tiring days, the self-doubt regarding the fact that am I doing enough for my baby, those hormonal rushes when you don't understand, but you want to cry, and cry, suddenly getting overwhelmed — Mommy guilt for being not a good mom. Sometimes you end up feeling so depressed that you want to run away. Gosh, the list goes on.
But what I learnt from this journey is the most important lessons of my life. Motherhood not only brings the most beautiful phase of your life but with that comes lots of responsibilities, confusion, dedication and lots of mommy guilt as this little tiny human being is so much dependent on you. And you have to struggle to take out some time for yourself. As we all know, no one said parenting was easy! But we focus on one part of it when we dream of our journey with all those cuddles and giggles.
What helped me to get through this phase was, seeking help and support from my near and dear ones.
Talking frankly about my situation and how I am feeling at that moment to my friends and family, to vent out, and trust me it works like wonders because that phase is just for few minutes but how you deal with it makes a difference. It can make you or break you.
Steal a few moments from your busy schedule. Seek help. Take some time out and pamper yourself the way you like it. A happy mother means a happy baby. A baby can feel everything.
Maintaining a healthy diet plays a vital role in your life, and how you feel too! Most of the time, we moms pay attention to feed our kids healthy and nutritious food, ignoring ourselves and our health, compromising on junk foods, but that is the biggest mistake we do. Always remember a healthy mother is a key to a happy and healthy family.
The day I discovered the importance of self-love, I found the key to happiness. I always felt something was missing. Stealing some time from your busy life is not a big deal dear moms. It really does makes a difference. It makes you a better person, promotes positive thinking and positive attitude towards life, in turn, making you a healthy, energetic, full of life and best mom for your kids!
Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the postpartum depression, and sometimes it's not considered real or a myth. After giving birth there are so many changes our body, the mind goes through and taking care of our emotional well-being is equally important.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Suggested for you
Rangoli Slush
Slushes are among the things kids love these days. When they spot a slush dispenser in shopping malls, they can be quite adamant about having one. But, often the serving size is so huge that, as a parent you are likely to get worried about their sugar intake. The next best thing you can do is create it at home and serve in small glasses. Stunning to look at, fun to make, you will be surprised how easy it is to create it at home.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
5-10 Minutes
00 Minutes
Ingredients
2 cups crushed ice
3 tbsp blue curacao syrup
3 tbsp strawberry syrup
3 tbsp orange syrup
Method
Step 1
In order to make crushed ice at home, wrap 2 cups of ice cubes in a clean muslin cloth. Beat it with a pestle, so that the ice breaks into small pieces. Now immediately put the broken ice cubes into a mixer jar and give it a quick whizz.
Step 2
If you feel the ice is melting, add the ice crystals in a large bowl and keep it in the freezer for 15 minutes before moving ahead with the rest of the process.
Step 3
Get your syrups and 3 serving glasses ready. Take the ice bowl out of the freezer. Fill one third of the glasses with the ice crystals and drizzle the blue curacao syrup equally into each. Stir it for a few second. Add another layer of ice crystals and drizzle the strawberry syrup. Repeat the process and top it up with orange syrup.
Step 4
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
158 K cal
Proteins
0 g
Total Fat
0 g
Total Carbohydrates
39.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
0 mg
Potassium
0 mg
Tip: If you have different colour fruit syrup, you can even try making a rainbow slush. Read more
Suggested for you
Stimulating Thinking in your Preschoolers
Is your child always asking you questions? Do her questions fill you with awe? How would you ensure that this thirst of your child never ends? Read the article to know more about making your child into a thinking little individual.
At 3-4 years, Science, Social studies, Math would seem like alien words to your child. But he is curious about the fishes that swim, butterflies that fly and the rainbow that fills the sky after the rain. In a child’s world curiosity never ends. This curiosity forms the cornerstone for a child’s learning. Harness it the correct way and watch your child eager to know and learn more.
Outlined below are fun and innovative ways to teach him concepts and kindle his thirst for knowing more:
Out in a Park
Your child collects raindrops on his palm, chases a butterfly and inhales from the flowers. In his own little way he is trying to fill his mind with colors, fragrances and sensations. Take him to the park and play games with him.
Make a checklist of items that he could collect. Example: grass, rocks, twigs, feathers, leaves, sand, pinecones, ants, etc. This encourages your child to explore, find answers and come up with his own ideas. It might also help him be creative and come up with writing ideas.
For more fun take a bug box and encourage your child to watch bugs, however, take care to see that your child gently handles the bug and causes it no harm. Encourage him to discuss his observations.
Pack two sets of binoculars and watch various birds in the park. Show your child how different they are in their colors, sizes, shape of wings, etc. Tell him the names of birds if you know.
Finally, sit with your child and document your thoughts along with his. This might give you some ideas for your next park visit.
Playground Fun
Playground is where your child would be in his elements. The sand, water, air and all the play equipment such as swings, slide would help him understand the concepts of speed, momentum, light and shadows and assimilate them in an interesting, fun way. Here is what you can do:
Let him feel his heartbeat before play. Tell him to feel it after a round of running. Explain to him the difference.
On a windy day, ask your child to hold both wet sand and dry sand in both his palms. Ask him to release it. Tell him why the wet sand would remain in his palm and only the dry sand would blow.
Tell your child to walk on both wet and dry sand, ask him where the footprints are more visible.
On a bright sunny day, encourage your child to observe the shadows of various trees, play equipment and tell him to find out his own shadow.
Playgrounds, thus, not only provide great spaces for playing, but also for knowing how things work.
Social Studies
Social studies are not always about studying big, fat textbooks in high school. It can begin in preschool itself. Help your child gain more insights about himself, his family and friends in an enjoyable way.
Give your child a scrap-book and tell him to make a collage of all his favourite things or the things he loves. This could be anything from his favourite toys to his favourite books. Tell him to accompany it with a self-portrait.
Tell him to make a little booklet of his feelings like “I feel happy when _____” or “I feel angry when _________”.
Show him an album of his extended family and help him identify his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.
All these will teach your child, his role in relation to a particular community.
Finally, parents should focus on these early years of their child. A little bit of patience and enthusiasm will help your child develop and hone his skills the right way. Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Mera 8 month start hu white distance hora mere ko
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. hello since u are a expecting mom this would require a proper medical attention and it is better to check with your doctor and your doctor will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 mins ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
45 mins ago
A. hi
ideally it can be taken or done as one's expected period date has passed.
you can get accurate result as oppose to relying on early pre period testing method that can lead to faulty results in such cases.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 mins ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 mins ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Check out this new Memory
Nurita Thakur
Mom of a 3 m old girl
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Antra Patel
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old boy
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Babita Srivastava
Guardian of a 11 m old girl
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Meenakshi
Mom of a 1 yr 2 m old girl
4 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive