When my son was 15 months old, he had a babysitter who taught him how to put away his toys before he took something else out. One day when I was done working, I went to pick him up on my way home. As soon as he saw me, he started picking up what he was playing with, put the cover on the box and put the box on the shelf. Then he ran over and gave me a huge welcome. I was floored!
He doesn't do that at home! My babysitter who I now thought was an angel had worked with him that week teaching him how to put things away before he took out the next toy. From that day on, I realized what my son was capable of. Now, he had put toys away before, but this was different. He did it with no help and no one had to ask him.
This little bit of independence was great for both of us. He was proud of what he was accomplishing, and I was ecstatic that I had less to pick up around the house.
I am an entrepreneur and I work from home with my children around. I struggle on a daily basis trying to decide what my priorities are for the day. I want time to move ahead with my business, yet I also want to spend time with my children. How do I find the time to get other things accomplished? It is a mother's dream to raise children who pick up after themselves.
Now I have to admit, this idea of picking up worked better for the babysitter than it did for me, at first. However, I learned a lesson that day. My children are capable of doing things on their own if I teach them how to do it and am consistent with expecting them to be independent.
Raising independent children is helping all of us in so many ways. If my children can accomplish things on their own, then I don't need to be distracted from what I am doing every few minutes to help them with something.
The independence seems to be helping my children as well. Instead of having to ask for something, they know they can just get it or do it themselves. They are very confident children and tend to teach their friends how to be independent, too. The more they do on their own, the more they realize they can do, and the more they want to do.
Here are some ways that I have learned to teach my children independence:
1. We have a snack cabinet in our house that I placed on a low shelf where everyone can reach. I only keep healthy snacks there. (The unhealthier ones go up high). My children must eat at designated snack times, but they are allowed to help themselves. We started this at a very young age and believe it or not, it rarely gets abused. When it does, I leave well enough alone. After all the snacks are healthy.
2. When my children ask for help with something, I way the odds. Are they asking for help because they need my attention, or are they asking for help because they really don't think they can do it themselves?
If they are looking for attention, I give it to them. After all, nurturing is what my children need from me the most. If they think they need help but I feel they could do it themselves, I will ask them a question like, "Well, what do you think we could do to make you taller so you can reach it?" The answer would be to move over the chair and climb up. Without even answering, they just run right over and move the chair. All they needed was a simple suggestion to trigger their minds.
3. Encouragement and praise both go a long way with children (and adults, actually). Whenever the opportunity arises I encourage my children to pitch in. They love to "cook dinner". Really they are helping me, but I try to make them feel like I am just helping them. We both gain from this experience.
No matter how small their attempt, if they give it their best shot, I praise them highly for their efforts. The more praise they receive, the more they seem to want to try.
I also make sure to thank them for doing it on their own. If what they are doing helps me, I make sure to show my appreciation for what they are doing.
Teaching independence certainly takes consistency and an effort on my part, but the results are two-fold. I find that when my children can do things for themselves, it makes my life a little easier. I am also finding that my children are learning a great deal of confidence and self-reliance in knowing that they can accomplish so much on their own. My children are learning much more about themselves and their capabilities than I ever had as a child, and we are all happy for that.
First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to cook. Start younger children off by letting them help set and clear the table, gathering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or adding ingredients.
Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharp instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Some parents start teaching their children to cook by showing them how to make things that don't require cooking first, and then graduating to letting them make food in the microwave.
Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kids to cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning to cook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few dishes. It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not drudgery, although there are certain responsibilities that go along with the privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along, and leaving the kitchen clean when you're finished.
Start with the basics. Show your kids what the different utensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach them about herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients for the right dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions and chemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're learning while they're having fun!
The more authentic information about cooking you know, the more likely people are to consider you a cooking expert. Read on for even more cooking facts that you can share.
Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks for kids on the market today, that include step-by-step instructions and pictures so kids can see what something's supposed to look like while they're assembling the recipe...let success build on success.
Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook more complicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning -- and cooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan the meal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them to realize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.
As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods from different cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes or Italian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids will develop an appreciation for many different kinds of food.
Especially for younger children, having tools that are their own size not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for them to participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at many department or specialty stores.
Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize it now, but you're making memories that someday will be as delicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're baking now!
Is there really any information about cooking that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.
Both Kimberly Reddington & Michael Hehn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kimberly Reddington has sinced written about articles on various topics from Energy Healing, Computers and The Internet and SEO Search Engine Optimization. Kimberly Reddington, Moms in Business Thoughtleader for CereusWomen.com, teaches moms how to turn their skills and talents into a successful home-based service business and to find a balance between their business and their family. Discover Kim's popular. Kimberly Reddington's top article generates over 49500 views. Bookmark Kimberly Reddington to your Favourites.
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