We all know it’s important to teach our kids how to be independent, but actually releasing them into the world is easier said than done. If you have a little one, independence could mean giving them 20 minutes of play time in the back yard while you watch from the kitchen window. If your kids are bigger, letting them ride bikes around the neighborhood can plant seeds that grow into greater confidence and freedom. In this episode we talk about the research that proves independence is vital and why moms struggle so much to do what we know is right for our children.
Kids naturally want to know how to be independent; they’re curious and want to push boundaries to see what’s safe. So why do we hold on so tightly to them? Our discussion in this episode moves from fear to judgment from other moms to social media to our own need to be busy. And, of course, there’s the discomfort we have to endure knowing our kids are doing something that might hurt like fall and skin a knee.
After agreeing on the need for kids’ independence (thanks to Jonathan Haidt’s book and a poll from the University of Michigan) we talk about small ways moms can help kids learn how to be independent. The good news is that small acts are effective, like unstructured play time, playing with other kids, and small confidence boosting activities like fetching items around the grocery store.
Articles We Mentioned
University of Michigan poll: “Promoting children’s independence: What parents say vs do”
Quit Telling Your Child to Be Careful!
Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation
I’m Gonna Parent Like It’s 1989
3 Ways to Encourage Your Toddler’s Independence
21 Things Your Kids Can Do for Themselves
7 Ways to Get Your Little One to Play Independently
What makes it most difficult for you to let go and give your kids more independence?
