7 Tips For Developing Independence In Your Preschooler

From babies trying to spoon-feed themselves or trying to take their own diapers off to toddlers demanding to dress themselves, children are always on the quest for independence. Still, as a parent, it is hard not to groan at the idea of your child trying to do things on their own, as it often means that the task will take twice as long and be three times as messy.

However, these little steps towards self-sufficiency can go a long way in building their independence and setting them up for success in their early childhood education. Building independence early, particularly when your child is of age to start preschool, sets a strong foundation for lifelong self-sufficiency and resilience.

If you’re unsure where to start, here is a list of tips for preschool parents to help develop independence in your child from preschool age:

1. Promote Problem-Solving Skills

Instead of stepping in right away, let your child solve their problems on their own. Often, we unintentionally transfer our stress and frustration onto our children, even though they are simply eager to help and find solutions.

So next time if your child tries to tie their shoes, allow them to put them on wrong feet and wait until they ask for help. This simple yet effective preschool activity for your preschoolers will help them learn to deal with frustration, solve problems, and stick out challenging situations.

2. Build Routines

Another great activity for preschool students to make them independent is to build predictable routines. While it may sound surprising, building routines can actually help nurture independence in your child. Just like adults, when children know what they need to do today, they are more likely to take on responsibility. Also, make sure they know what is expected of them and give them praise and rewards when they meet expectations.

3. Let Them Choose

Giving your child choices is another excellent preschool learning idea to make them more independent. Making choices for themselves will help children build trust in themselves and others. You can involve them in deciding what to wear, what to play, or who to call. This does not mean they have free rein, you can give them a few options to choose from, such as:

Do you want to eat rice or noodles for dinner?
Do you want to go swimming or go play in the park?

These questions will help them make decisions for themselves, rather than being told what to do.

4. Give Them Chores

Letting your child do chores from preschool and kindergarten itself is a great way of building a sense of responsibility and self-reliance in them. For this, you don’t have to give them a long list of chores, but some light tasks will be sufficient. Some daily chore activities for pre-primary children include taking plates to the table, emptying the dishes, assisting you in hanging the laundry, etc.

5. Let Them Solve Their Own Arguments

A big part of becoming an independent person is the ability to handle your relationships and interactions with others. A major part of this starts early, from the preschool itself when children have arguments or disagreements while playing.

As a parent, you can let them resolve their conflict with their siblings and friends on their own. And when your child comes to you with a situation, ask them what they will do to fix or make things better. While it’s tempting to step in and scold the other child, it only makes your child more reliant on you for every issue.

6. Encourage Them For New Adventures

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore. However, encouraging them to try new things and step outside their comfort zone can also be a great pre-primary learning activity for making them independent.

You can do this by letting them try a new food, play a different game, or participate in a new activity. These experiences can help them develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of independence.

7. Let Them Plan Play Dates

One of the best activities for 3-year-old children to make them independent is to let them plan their play dates on their own. When you let your child plan their play dates, they learn valuable skills like communication, negotiation, and decision-making. Plus, it gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. So, step back and let your child coordinate, cooperate, and have fun while taking on responsibilities.

By following these tips along with preschool activity ideas, such as involving them in daily chores and letting them choose, you can help your child develop a strong sense of independence. As your little ones transition through nursery education and beyond, the independence they cultivate now will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate their small victories.

If you are looking for a preschool that helps nurture your child’s independence, then consider Little Millennium, the fastest-growing preschool Chain. With our unique curriculum, play-based learning, and safe environment, we provide the perfect foundation for your child’s growth!