Allowing Your Child's Independence

On this 4th of July, remember that children are Americans, too, and deserve many of the same freedoms we adults enjoy.  As they get older, here are some ways to foster your children's independence so when they finally launch into the world on their own, they're ready for any emergency:

1. Encourage independence gradually as they mature.  For example, when you read stories to your two-year-old, allow her to turn the pages, rather than turning them for her.
2. With parenting, less is sometimes more.  In other words, the less you do for your children, the more they'll do for themselves.  When my girls were ten, I began "allowing" them to do their own laundry! 
3. Teach your children skills that will help them cope with emergencies rather than overprotecting them.  Prepare your child for the road rather than preparing the road for the child.
4. Show your child how to effectively manage his time so he can independently choose to do homework before playing.

Happy Independence Day!