Such an important perspective to consider. I like that you use learning to walk as an analogy and would add to that that when a child is learning to walk independently, we are there with our excitement and praise and encouragement. When parents continue to bring that even to their older kids, I find kid start to look for what things they can do on their own.
I love the consideration of whether it's something they want to do for themselves, or something WE want them to do for themselves. I have definitely had successful times of backing way off of my requests, to find my kids are then more generous with their time. I still don't really understand how to apply this to things involving their bodies, like getting them to brush their teeth. :P
Such an important perspective to consider. I like that you use learning to walk as an analogy and would add to that that when a child is learning to walk independently, we are there with our excitement and praise and encouragement. When parents continue to bring that even to their older kids, I find kid start to look for what things they can do on their own.
I love the consideration of whether it's something they want to do for themselves, or something WE want them to do for themselves. I have definitely had successful times of backing way off of my requests, to find my kids are then more generous with their time. I still don't really understand how to apply this to things involving their bodies, like getting them to brush their teeth. :P
This philosophy has worked for us in some situations. It’s definitely worth trying if your current method isn’t getting the results you desire.