Ten Things You Can Do Now Toward Developing Independence in Your Child

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Learn how to develop independence in your child on January 24, 2015 from 9:00am-12:00pm at Lifetime Montessori school, a San Diego Montessori School, during the upcoming Journey & Discovery event!

Independence is the ability to do things and think for ourselves. As a result, your child becomes independent through his or her own activities. Through inclusion in simple daily activities, the child begins to understand routines, his or her role in the family and his own abilities.

When you offer choices at the right time and lend a hand only when the child needs help, the child gains skills, confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Your child will be on the path to independence when you follow these three principles:
   - create an accessible environment
   - Assess everything you do for your child to decide which daily activities they can tackle
- Simplify each activity your child attempts so there is instant success

Here are ten tips you can implement to create every day independence in your child going forward:

Dressing
   1) Offer your child clothes that feature Velcro-style fastenings, snap fastenings and elastic waists

   2) Make a few choices of your child’s clothes accessible by hanging a low bar at child height for clothes on hangers. Use a child-sized basket or hamper for dirty clothes.

   3) Provide a low mirror and a child-sized brush and comb for combing hair.

Toilet
   4) Get your child a small toilet chair rather than using a stool to climb up and sit on the family toilet.

   5) Provide a stool for access to the sink for hand washing and tooth brushing.

Eating
   6) Provide a low, accessible kitchen cabinet for your child’s drinking glasses, bowls, plates and silverware—each with their own place in that cupboard.

   7) Use child-sized breakable dishes rather than plastic. If your child breaks something, don’t use anger or scolding. Rather, talk with your child and show them how to carry things carefully; they’ll learn to hold dishes carefully.

   8) Have your child help prepare food. For example, have them peel a mandarin orange or a banana. They will eat food they’ve helped prepare and feel proud of their contribution to the family dinner!

Sleeping
   9) A low bed will give your child the freedom to move around—like crawling onto and off the bed.

   10) Create a routine that helps your child understand that it is bedtime. Ensure that the routine is one of decreasing activity. For example, the activities can include play time; bath time; story time; sleep time—in that order—every time.

Journey & Discovery/January 24th, 2015 from 9:00am-12:00pm
At the Lifetime Montessori School in Santa Luz, a San Diego preschool teaching children aged 18 months to eight years of age, you’ll learn exactly how your child spends his or her day; various Maria Montessori procedures and policies; and how we utilize the Montessori method to teach your child. Breakfast and child care will be offered at the event.

Lifetime Montessori School is a private San Diego preschool and elementary school serving the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, 4-S and Scripps Ranch. The school serves over 150 students.

Click onto https://lifetimemontessorischool.com/contact-us for more information about this event.