As a parent, giving children the opportunity to learn through independence can be valuable for their development. One approach to achieving this is through the use of guided practice, also known as the “I do, we do, you do” method. This method can be applied to a variety of everyday tasks such as:
- Waking up: Have children set their own alarm.
- Getting dressed: Let them pick their own outfit.
- Breakfast/lunch/dinner: Give them simple tasks like stirring the pancake batter, cleaning their lunchbox and setting the table.
- Getting their backpack ready: Have them run through a list of what they need to bring that day.
- Making plans: Let them come up with weekend or after school activities.
- Checking homework: It’s okay if they don’t get 100% of the answers correct. Let them learn from the mistakes.
Chores can play an important role in teaching children responsibility. For example, washing dishes or going grocery shopping can be used as opportunities to give children tasks such as picking out good produce and measuring pounds on a scale.
It is important to note that perfection should not be the goal when it comes to children completing tasks. Encourage them to make their own beds every morning, but don’t fight them if it doesn’t look perfect. As long as the task is completed, it is a success. This approach will teach children the importance of mastery, doing something as many times as it takes to get it right.
Giving children the opportunity to revise their work multiple times can also lead to better performance on exams. This is because it rewards the learning and hard work, rather than getting it right the first time.
It is important to ensure that children are not put in situations that they don’t understand or aren’t capable of, or in situations that aren’t safe. The goal is to teach children how to cope with what life throws at them. Teaching children that the only thing they can control is how they react to things can also be an important lesson.
When children are trusted to make their own decisions, they start to feel more engaged, confident and empowered. This empowerment can lead to limitless possibilities for their future.
It can be challenging for parents to let go and trust children to do things on their own. However, by starting with guided practice and gradually increasing the level of responsibility and independence, children can become confident and capable individuals. This approach can lead to the raising of independent and successful children.
Enrolling your child in a martial arts program can also be a great way to empower them. Martial arts programs like MAX3 Martial Arts not only teach physical skills, but also focus on character development and leadership training. Through MAX3, children can learn discipline, focus, respect, and self-confidence. These skills will not only benefit them in the martial arts class, but also in their daily lives.To learn more about how MAX3 Martial Arts can help empower your child, visit Karate Kids (Ages 7-12). Sign up for our web special today, schedule your first class and see the difference it can make in your child’s life.