by Franchesca Bisignano

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: June 24, 2009

Your child will begin wanting independence from the age of about two. Giving your child independence will be hard but it is necessary. As a parent giving your child independence it will be one of the most important things you can do for them. It is important to slowly give your child their independence so that when they become young adults they will know how to handle themselves.

When your child is young they still depend on you for most of their needs. A two year old will start wanting to not wear the clothes you pick or have you feed them and things along those lines. Letting your toddler pick their own clothes will make them feel empowered. Clothing is a small decision but to a toddler it is huge. Clothing for everyone is a way to express ourselves that is all your toddler wants to do. While it may not always be possible for your toddler to completely pick their clothing out it is a good idea to at least give them options so that they feel they are making a decision. Letting your toddler pick their clothing will make dressing them a lot easier because they will cooperate better.

After your child gets a bit older and starts school they will begin making friends. A good way to promote independence in your child is to allow them to have friends over or go to friends' houses and be able to play without you being involved. It is important to watch them while they are playing but don't sit right next to them and stare. If you do allow them to have friends over allow them to get the drinks and snacks and things for their company.

The older your child grows the more independence he will want. Your child will soon what to attend sleepovers and to spend time away from you. You need to teach your child how to act when he is not in your presence. As long as your child behaves correctly you should allow him spend time away from you. When you allow your child to spend time away from you he will feel you trust him and he will begin to respect you more for allowing them freedom.

By the time your child is a teenager, he will want to be spending a lot of time out of the house; if you have slowly given your child independence, they have grown up and it will be an easy transition.

Giving you child independence can be hard for any parent but it is best to do so gradually so that they learn how to behave when they are not around you.

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