Autonomy is the seed of confidence and independence that allows children to flourish. It helps them stand on their own two feet, make decisions, and believe in their abilities.

But how do you make this little seed grow?

Well, like with a grandmother's recipe, there are a few tricks!

8 great tips to boost your child's independence!

Tip 1: Do to learn

Doing to learn is one of the main levers!

Good news: explore, touch, participate, do like the grown-ups: the younger they are, the more children love to experiment!

This apparent curiosity is in reality a need dictated by their brain to develop their intelligence and their autonomy.

For adults, it may seem counterintuitive to let them experiment because their little hands are still clumsy.

However, involving children in daily household tasks (cooking, setting the table, crafts, etc.) rather than doing everything for them is extremely beneficial for their development.

It stimulates their reasoning, builds their confidence, improves their attention and develops many other fundamental skills.

Tip 2: Reason

When you involve them, don't hesitate to invite them to find solutions themselves for small problems they encounter, even if it seems as simple as knowing how to react and what to do if they spill a glass of water.

These little problems are sometimes puzzles for children.

By learning to solve them today, they will develop the mental gymnastics needed to deal with more complex problems when they are adults.

Tip 3: Maximize the power of imitation

Children observe us and imitate our actions. This natural tendency can be transformed into a learning opportunity for them.

For example, showing them how to do it, then letting them try it on their own, then gradually reducing the help given.

Tip 4: Celebrate the “Oops”

Few of us enjoy making mistakes. Yet, mistakes are essential and an integral part of learning. They are what help us progress when we understand and correct them.

A broken glass? A crushed egg? All of these incidents are perfect opportunities to help your child think and find solutions.

Every mistake is a step toward success. Don't hesitate to debunk them, because they are part of the process .

Tip 5: Encourage Effort

We often tend to focus on the result of an effort. However, in learning, it is the journey taken that matters most.

Emphasizing the process provides children with clear guidance on their behaviors and effective strategies. This promotes adaptive learning, strengthens a sense of competence, and develops self-confidence.

Research shows that descriptive and specific feedback on the process, in addition to assessments of the outcome, makes a difference. It provides children with specific information about their actions and the strategies to use, thus facilitating their progress.

Tip 6: Accept challenges

Activities that are slightly above children's current skill level, but achievable with a little help, are ideal. This taps into the zone of proximal development, encouraging children to push themselves and learn new things. Motivation, engagement, and progress are guaranteed! So, don't hesitate to offer them slightly ambitious but attainable challenges.

Tip 7: Adapt the environment

Creating a suitable environment allows children to become more independent. When possible, don't hesitate to adapt their environment so they can manage on their own:

• a coat rack at their height
• a small stool in the kitchen to access the work surface
• storage within their reach so they can find and put away their toys with minimal help.

A little extra tip: stick a picture of the toy on the drawer where it should be stored. This makes tidying up easier! Try it and let us know if it works for you too!

Tip 8: Within reach

Certain elements placed at child height can greatly encourage independence. Arranging certain key elements of the house at their scale makes their daily lives easier and allows them to become more independent.

For example, plates in a low cupboard to set the table and a pitcher of water accessible so they can serve themselves are simple but effective arrangements.

Tip 9: Visual cues

Visual cues are a valuable support for children's autonomy, helping them navigate their daily routines more independently. These visual aids reassure and guide them discreetly, while repetition transforms these actions into habits.

In summary:

By inviting children to participate, celebrating their small steps (and missteps!), and adapting your world a little to their size, you open the door to independence and self-confidence.

With a little patience and lots of encouragement, they will amaze you!

 

Sources:

Rossmann (2015). “Involving Children in Household Tasks: Is It Worth the Effort?”

Luca Bonini, Cristina Rotunno, Edoardo Arcuri, Vittorio Gallese, et al. (2022). Mirror neurons 30 years later: implications and applications. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

Schultz, W., (2016). Dopamine reward prediction error coding. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.

Stanislas Dehaene, Learn!: The talents of the brain, the challenge of machines.