Encourage your child’s independence and confidence by assigning age-appropriate chores, modeling tasks, and celebrating effort over perfection. These small steps build responsibility and initiative!
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” - Denis Waitley
Key Concepts:
- Research has found that children who have opportunities to exert independence show more initiative. Children with a strong sense of initiative are eager to try new activities and experiences (without being overwhelmed by a fear of failure!).
- The amount of independence your child pushes for is dependent on a range of factors, like temperament (children with easy-to-soothe temperaments are more comfortable being independent) and family dynamics (children with younger siblings tend to show more independence).
- Chores support a child’s sense of confidence and independence. We can support children at this stage in their confidence by having developmentally appropriate expectations for them.
What to Try:
- Identify age appropriate chores, such as: wiping up spills, piling books, putting toys away, filling a pet’s food dish, bringing in the mail, or clearing the table. We want to avoid chores that are too difficult, as your child will likely get frustrated and pushback.
- Begin chores from a young age. Start simple with something like setting the table.
- Avoid linking chores with an allowance at this age. We’re trying to encourage children to be internally motivated.
- Model for your child how to complete a chore (do this a few times). Specific instructions will prevent frustration. “Here is how you set the table. First we put a placemat down, then we grab a fork, and a napkin.”
- Approach chores from a relaxed point of view (don’t expect perfection). Use praise and encouragement to build momentum, even when perfection isn’t achieved. “Nice work putting your shoes on!” (even if the shoes are on the wrong feet).