Fostering independence in children.
It is a topic that is a super prevalent in society right now, and I think it means different things for different families.
In our family, fostering independence starts with how we adults see our children as capable and developing human beings. We encourage them to do things in their own time, when they are ready.
We focus on scaffolding skills they are learning so that eventually, the scaffold is gone and they stand on their own.
We focus on THEIR current phase of development and work within or just slightly above their abilities, and not where we think they should be or want them to be, while also not holding them back.
We allow them endless opportunities to work beside us to see many processes from beginning to end, because children are beings of imitation, even after those first influential seven years.
But most of all, to foster independence, we trust. We trust in their ability to know themselves and their limits, and we keep ourselves totally open for them to come to, without judgement, if they get stuck or need help.
Until next time,
Marina
Discover more from Growing Together in Freedom
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
