LIFESTYLE, PARENTING

Parenting hacks to make your child feel independent

Most parents want their kids to be more independent and I as a parent, am no different. This means your little ones wake up, brush their teeth, get dressed for school, and does not mix up their left and right shoes — and the main thing here is that they do it all by themselves without any help. It’s a parent’s dream come true, right? It’s like it’s too good to be true you know. But guess what, This can be worked upon. Here I am sharing with you a few parenting  hacks that worked for me, hoping they work for you too.

1. HOW TO TELL WHICH SHOE GOES ON WHICH FOOT ?

Kids often have trouble telling left from right, and so they mix up their shoes. Just place half a sticker in each shoe. Your little one can match up the sticker and get their shoes on the correct feet. This helps them wear their own shoes independently without creating a confusion between left and right foot.

2. HOW TO HOLD A PEN CORRECTLY

Now this is one hack that came in very handy to me . My daughter started proper writing this year itself. If you want your children to learn how to hold a pen or pencil correctly, try using a napkin: tell them that they have to hide it under their fourth and fifth fingers. Pressing the napkin or a tissue with the last two fingers help them grip the pen better hence teaching them the correct way to hold it.

3. HOW TO GET THEM TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH FOR TWO MINUTES

This has been by far the most herculean task for me as a parent. Initially my daughter did not want to brush her teeth at all and then when she somehow did, it would last for barely a few seconds. It’s difficult for children, and sometimes even for grown-ups, to know if they’ve spent enough time brushing their teeth. An hourglass, set for 2-3 minutes, is a perfect solution for you and your child. If not an hourglass, you could use a stopwatch too.  Another smart idea is to find a children’s song that lasts for at least 2 minutes, and turn it on every time your kid brushes their teeth.

4. HOW NOT TO GET LOST IN A MALL

It’s easy for a child to get lost in a mall or during a crowded event on the street. To find your child more quickly, try this. Write your phone number, his/her (or your own) full name on your child’s wrist with permanent marker before going out. Also, teach your child how to behave in such a serious situation. For example, tell them they have to wait for you in the same place where they lost you, or they could turn to a woman with a child or a store employee for help, etc.

The above listed hacks have worked very well for me and have been tried and tested. Following these steps actually give children a sense of responsibilty  , which ultimately leads to making them feel more independent.

There is no right age as such but as and when you feel your child is ready to take this up.

Well, I hope you found these hacks useful and if you did then do let me know in the comments below.

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