It’s never too early to teach your children how to do a few things around the house! Not only does it get them independent, it also takes time off your hands – especially for small tasks they can do themselves.
Here are a few tips on what you can do:
- 1. Spend time teaching your child how to do small tasks for themselves around the house. Teach them one new responsibility a week and have them do it on their own. This could be as simple as unpacking their lunch box after school or even tying their own shoelaces. Give them small responsibilities around the house and watch them grow.
- 2. Take a step back from the day to day tasks they can do on their own. This could be as simple as brushing their own hair or putting a step next to the basin and encourage them to brush their own teeth.
- 3. Positive reinforcements. If they make their own snack or their bed for the first time, celebrate it! Even the smallest achievement is a major accomplishment for your little one - this is progress and will encourage them to keep up the great work.
- 4. Let your child struggle – it doesn’t have to always be perfect! If they are struggling and are visibly frustrated, leave them be. They need to develop the ability to solve their own problems…even as small as not being able to button their shirt up right! Not only does this build self-confidence, it also teaches them patience.
- 5. Let your children make “planned” decisions. Allow them to choose what clothes they wear, even if the choice is as basic as deciding between a red or blue shirt. This will foster a sense of independence because they are making their own choices even though the environment was controlled
- 6. Organise your home! If your child knows where everything goes, then they can help you tidy up and put things away. Show them where the dishes go or the dirty washing to the laundry. You can even keep a few kid friendly items in the kitchen within reach – this could be plastic bowls, cups and snacks.
