As preschoolers add, “I can do it myself!” to their daily mantra, parents need opportunities to reinforce their children’s desire for greater independence. Repetition and practice make brain connections, and daily routines are the perfect place to identify tasks your children can learn to do for themselves.
Remember, practice makes progress! When children have the chance to try things over and over again in a positive way with your support and encouragement, you’re strengthening their brain connections.
Here's a few ways that you can help your child take those first steps toward greater independence:
* Start a zipper and let your child pull it up the rest of the way
* Let them scoop food onto their plates during meals
* Have them put their shoes on
* Give them certain groceries that only they put away after shopping
VISIT Bright Horizons for 10 more ways to encourage preschool independence.
