by Rhonda Day

Created on: September 23, 2007

Watching your children grow and develop is one of the most rewarding things about being a parent. As they learn to talk, walk, and eventually take care of themselves, it is both an exciting and a frustrating time for a parent. With growing independence comes the desire of the child to take control and make decisions themselves. Unfortunately, they are not typically ready to make decisions when they think they are!

It is important to provide creative ways for your child to stretch his/her decision-making and become more independent without sacrificing your own sanity at the same time! There are many ways to do this. Adapting and modifying some of these methods could be the key to a happier life for you and a more independent life for your child.

1. To help your child remember to wash their hands, make it fun for them. Purchase an inexpensive 2-step wooden stool and paint it in colorful designs, paint their name on it, or let the child help with the painting. Keep the stool near the sink and let them use it each time they wash their hands. Purchase squirt dispensers of sudsy soap to make it fun.
2. Choosing wholesome and nutritious snacks is something we all could use a little help with. But especially children. Help them by preparing snack size bags of carrots, celery, apples, grapes, cheese bites, and other nutritious foods. Put these snack packs on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator and let your children choose their own snack. They'll think it's fun and it will increase their independence by allowing them to select their own snack and nutritious treats.
3. Once children decide they want to pick out their own clothes for the day, it can become a hassle especially if you'd like them to be color coordinated and neatly dressed in any way! Purchase one of the hanging plastic bags with sections which are usually used to store shoes. Put a complete outfit in each of seven sections at the beginning of the week including pants or skirt, shirt/top, underwear, socks, and other accessories such as hair bows if appropriate. Allow the child to choose any outfit they want from the seven bins and voila - everyone is happy! You'll be surprised how effective this is and how excited children are when they think they're selecting their own outfit.
4. Children always enjoy cooking but they can be messy and bothersome if you're not prepared. Help them by giving them chores they can handle. If you're preparing dinner, let them help by using a step-stool so they can reach the sink.

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