Try This Tuesday #15: Encouraging Independence

Try This Tuesday

As my son moves into his elementary school years, I am consciously trying to step back and let him show off all the things he has learned over the last few years. We certainly are continuing to work with him on developing skills, and we have the supports in place at school to help him follow along and learn. But as much as possible, I am doing what I can to encourage his independence.

It is a challenge for me, since I am used to hovering over him, ready to jump in and help wherever it looks like he might be faltering a bit. At this point in time, however, that is not what he needs from me – he needs to spread his wings a little bit and see how far he can fly.

Some things are practical, such as buying pants with elastic waists for school so he doesn’t have to ask the teacher for help snapping his jeans after using the bathroom. Or starting an allowance so he has to make some choices about what new toys or videos he wants.

Other things are more emotional for me, like letting him run off to play at a party and not following him from room to room to see how he’s doing. This one is a bit harder for me!

I know I am really just at the beginning, and there are many more ages and stages to get through. I’ll just have to figure those out when I get to them, I guess. 🙂

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Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.

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