Step by step is the way self sufficiency is learned, beginning with toddlers reaching out in their first steps away from the supporting hands that have been helping them. Observing my kids taking their first steps away from me brought a little thrill to me, and to the kids' self esteem, as shown in their pleased expressions.
Being pleased with personal accomplishments while growing up is a big reward for the kids, which leads to trying even harder each step of the way in becoming more capable and self sufficient.
As children show signs of becoming more capably self sufficient I've found it is to their benefit to allow it and encourage them, even though I may feel I want to protect them a little longer.
Crossing the street on their own was another big milestone for becoming self sufficient when they were about three and a half. We practiced looking right, looking left, listening, then looking both ways again for good measure. About that age they seemed to be able to accurately judge when to cross our quiet street. Another milestone in self sufficiency achieved.
Moving forward in time to school, it was a big step when they left me standing in the parking lot and marched themselves to the door of their classroom. I would wait a while incase they ran back to me, but I don't remember that happening. My kids wanted to show me and their classmates and teachers they were self sufficient in getting to the correct place on time.
All the little daily errands and chores kids participate in are opportunities for growing in self sufficiency as they learn to do them correctly and without being prodded so much.
Our kids show us and the world they've grown up and become self sufficient to the best of their ability when they can make and carry out their decisions with skill and responsibility. Self esteem is gained in being self sufficient and this takes the kids forward with a chance for good success in what they choose to do in their lives.
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Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book
Article by Susan Kramer
