Dear parents,
What do you think about when you hear the word ‘independence’? To us in Toddlers Town, independence lay somewhere between having the freedom to act and making wise decisions while you are on it. The next question in line is, “What kind of freedom and choices do we want our toddlers to have?”
Researches have shown that children have the innate desire to do things by themselves. At the early years of their lives, children are absorbing everything from their environment, trying to make sense of the new world that they are in. Which means, they look at the things that their parents do and more often than not, they wish to try it for themselves. However, it takes a little bit longer for them to adjust, as everything they touch is still new and incredibly exciting to them. To answer the question above, children wants the freedom and trust from the adults, that they are able to carry out simple tasks.
Let’s start to give them the trust to accomplish simple practical life tasks such as washing hands, setting up table and making breakfast (e.g pouring juice for breakfast and spreading jams) or even putting on clothes by themselves. In the words of Maria Montessori, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed”. Why is that? It builds self-esteem, perseverance to keep trying, fine and gross motor skill, problem solving skills; and all that build up to the independence that we would like our children to have.
Often in our busy life, we try to help the children, whether it is so that we can get on with our days or because as an adult we feel that the children need our help. However, by helping them out too much, we are not giving them a chance to learn, as every child deserves. Meanwhile, by letting them try, we are letting them know that we believe that they can succeed, and that is a value that children will take with them as they grow up and how they will reflect on themselves. Please keep in mind, that children learn from their immediate environment, and how we guide them will shape who they are.
Seeing how important the early years is, we decided to adopt the Montessori approach in Toddlers Town. We believe in the children and we give a chance for them to observe and experience life as a toddler should, on a daily basis. Our program builds routine for the children, helping them to make sense of the world in an orderly way, one day at a time. To know more ways of how we assist the children to gain independence, please book your visit by clicking here. Hope to see you soon in Toddlers Town.
Best Regards,
Toddlers Town
Published on: 21/10/2018