Independence is a fundamental skill that should be fostered in children from an early age. Developing this skill helps children to rely on themselves, make decisions with confidence, and solve problems independently. In this article from Dalili Medical, we will provide a set of tips and strategies that parents and educators can follow to enhance independence skills in children.

**What are independence skills?**

 

Independence skills are considered essential skills in special needs education curricula, regardless of their degrees and types, especially for the mentally disabled. These skills form the basis for building other later skills, such as academic, social, and vocational skills.

**What are the key points for promoting independence?**

 

The principle of independence means that the movement should avoid any interference, whether political, ideological, or economic, that may affect the embodiment of the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.

**How ​​can you help your young child become more independent?**

 

Give your child enough time to perform simple tasks on his own. Children at this age can do many of the activities that older children do, but they need more time. When organizing your family schedule, make sure to add extra time for things like putting on shoes, walking to the car, emptying the backpack, and feeding the dog.

**Characteristics of an Independent Child**

 

When your child is independent, they will have the following traits:

. **Impatient quickly** Independent children tend to want to get things done quickly, and they hate waiting. Whether it’s eating, talking, or walking, everything needs to be done quickly.

**Like to be in control of their lives** An independent child enjoys being given orders and expects them to be followed. They have a clear vision of how things should be, and they will work hard to make it happen, and they won’t hesitate to tell you what they expect from you to achieve their vision.

. **Enthusiastic and risk-taking** They prefer to learn through trial and error rather than following instructions. They also prefer to be given options for doing something rather than being told how to do it.

**Not given to orders** When you ask your child to do something a certain way, they may not comply. So, it will be necessary to find creative ways to get the message across to them.

. Independent Child ** Your child will be an opinionated person, who loves to share his point of view on all matters, even in small details such as food and drink choices or clothing colors.

** Quick to anger ** Children, especially young ones, tend to have tantrums, and an independent child may suffer from severe tantrums, which takes a long time to calm down, and he may find it difficult to express his feelings.

. ** He has a strong intuition for right and wrong ** These children only follow what they believe in, and will not hesitate to defend their beliefs. No amount of persuasion can change their mind once they have made a decision.

. ** Good at argument and discussion ** He will continue to discuss a certain topic until he reaches a solution that satisfies him, which may make you feel tired from the many discussions.

. Does not know how to give up ** Independent children may face challenges in stopping doing something before achieving their goal or completing the task completely. They tend to devote their effort to the task in question, and they cannot leave things incomplete.

. Outstanding Thinker**A child who has been able to develop his independence will have a unique way of thinking and interpreting situations and issues. He will not be influenced by what others think or do.

Self-reliance skills according to the child's age?

 

At 18 months:

Brushing his teeth (with help).

Cleaning his face and hands after meals.

Starting to eat by himself from a plate.

Drinking water from an open cup.

Help to dress and undress him.

At 2 years:

Take off clothes and put on shoes and coats, with simple help and guidance.

Getting tissues to clean the nose.

Washing hands (with help).

Pull up his underpants and pants, after using the bathroom and cleaning yourself.

Independent play for a short time.

At 3 years:

Brushing his hair by himself.

Brushing his teeth (you can just watch him until he masters this skill).

Going to the bathroom by himself.

Washing his hands by himself, by putting him on a chair and watching him.

Dressing and undressing (with a little help from you).

At four years old:

Increase time and opportunities for independent play.

While you are with him, let him explore the environment while you watch him.

Undress himself, including unbuttoning and unzipping.

Cleaning himself after using the toilet (with supervision until he masters this skill)

**At what age should a child be taught responsibility?**

 

When a child is two to three years old, he is able to practice some daily habits such as eating, dressing, going to the bathroom, and bathing. This stage is important for teaching the child independence, and this process continues into adolescence.

**The importance of developing independence skills**

 

Developing independence skills for children with autism and similar disorders is one of the basic foundations for achieving significant improvements in their quality of life. By acquiring these skills, children can enhance their ability to interact with their environment and handle daily activities independently, which increases their self-confidence and gives them a sense of empowerment. These skills include various strategies such as self-regulation, time management, and social interaction, which facilitate their effective integration into society and enhance their personal and social capabilities.

**Social integration:** Enhances self-confidence in children with autism when they learn to perform tasks on their own, which increases their sense of ability and enhances their self-esteem.

**Improving quality of life:** Developing independence skills contributes to raising the quality of life of the child and his family by reducing dependence on others. Thanks to independence, children become more able to interact andIntegration with peers in school and society.

**Reducing the burden on the family:** As the child's skills advance, the pressure on the family who may be responsible for his full care decreases.

**Challenges in developing independent skills** The development of independent skills for children with autism and similar disorders faces many challenges that may affect the effectiveness of this process. The most prominent of these challenges is the presence of difficulties in communication and social interaction, which may hinder the child's ability to learn new skills and apply them independently. Moreover, the education and training process requires customized strategies that suit the needs of each child, which requires additional effort from families and specialists to ensure achieving the desired results. Understanding these challenges and dealing with them appropriately can contribute significantly to improving the effectiveness of developing independent skills and enhancing the quality of life of the children concerned.

**Limited communication:** Many children with autism face challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, which negatively affects their ability to understand instructions and directions.

**Behavior Control:** Some children may exhibit stereotyped or repetitive behaviors, making it difficult for them to acquire new skills.

**Sensory Sensitivity:** Excessive sensitivity to sounds, lights, or touch can lead to difficulties in performing daily activities.

**Learning Rate Differences:** The rate of skill acquisition varies among children, which requires developing individual educational plans that suit each child’s needs.

**Independence Skills Development Strategies** Enhancing the independence skills of children with autism and similar disorders requires adopting effective and comprehensive strategies to achieve tangible results. These strategies include using personalized educational methods that suit each child’s needs, such as organizing and simplifying daily activities, in addition to using assistive technologies that enhance communication and help manage tasks. Moreover, success in this area requires close cooperation between families and specialists to provide a supportive environment that encourages the child to be independent and enables him to practice acquired skills on a regular basis. In this way, the child’s ability to rely on himself can be enhanced.

**Gradual training:** It depends on dividing skills into small steps, where the child is trained to master each step separately, and then they are combined to form the complete skill.

**Using visual support:** By using illustrated tables or mind maps, children can be helped to understand the steps required for each task.

**Positive reinforcement:** Providing rewards to the child after successfully completing tasks, whether these rewards are moral or material, enhances the child's motivation to repeat independent behavior.

**Participation in household activities:** Involving children in simple household tasks such as making the bed or cleaning the table enhances self-reliance skills.

**Guided social interaction:** Encouraging children to interact with their peers and participate in games and social activities can enhance their communication and cooperation skills.

Training children to use tools: such as how to use a spoon or brush correctly, which helps enhance their independence in eating or taking care of personal hygiene.

**Tips to Promote Independence in Children**

 

There are many tips that can be followed to develop independence in children, including:

**Starting at an early age**Signs of independence in a child begin early, perhaps from the seventh or eighth month. At this stage, the child can hold food between his fingers and try to eat it, and he can cut food into small cubes to make it easier for him to hold.

During this period, the child explores things using his mouth, and as he gets older, he begins to use a spoon to put food into his mouth. In addition, it is important to accustom the child to dressing and using the bathroom on his own, which helps him acquire independence skills without relying on parents.

**Providing tasks that are appropriate for his age**Giving the child tasks that are appropriate for his age contributes to enhancing his sense of independence. For example, the child can be assigned the task of wiping the table or distributing the plates, which indirectly enhances his concept of independence. Parents should also support the child in academic tasks that fall within his capabilities.

**Parents should be role models for the child** A child's independence grows through imitation, as the child seeks in the early stages of his development to imitate his parents in many things. We can benefit from this phenomenon; when the mother brushes her teeth before bed, the child will learn this habit. Also, seeing the child's mother arranging his toys will encourage him to do it himself the next time. Following this method is more effective than the method of insistence.

**Praise the action, not the character** It is important to praise the actions that the child does, such as saying "How beautiful the table is after wiping it" or "The room looks beautiful after organizing it." This type of praise enhances the child's sense of accomplishment and increases his self-confidence, which enhances his independence and makes him rely on himself instead of relying on his parents.

**Getting the child used to taking responsibility for his actions** Training the child to take responsibility for his actions contributes to developing a sense of independence in him. This does not mean punishing or disciplining him, but rather guiding him correctly in certain situations. For example, if a child accidentally drops a cup of water, the mother should encourage him to dry it using his own towel.

**Give your child some freedom of choice** It is essential to give the child some freedom of choice, as this is considered one of the behaviors that contribute to enhancing his independence. You can take the child's opinion on matters related to him, such as choosing his clothes or the color of the carpet in his room, which gives him a sense of independence.

**Making friends** The child must learn how to make his own friends, and bear the consequences ofHis choices without relying on his parents.

**Study independently** Self-study is very important for the child's future, as it contributes to his professional success when he grows up.

**Encouraging your child to read stories on his own** When you give your child the opportunity to read stories on his own, you enhance his analysis and evaluation skills, in addition to enriching his vast imagination and developing his independence and ability to rely on himself.

**Giving the child the opportunity to participate in family discussions** The child's participation in family discussions contributes to enhancing his ability to make decisions, and develops a spirit of courage and boldness in him, and enhances his faith and self-confidence.

Challenges that children may face while learning independence and responsibility?

 

Children can face a range of challenges while seeking to learn independence and responsibility. Here are some of these common challenges:

1. **Fear or frustration**: Children may feel fear or frustration when asked to try new or difficult things. They may have anxiety about failure or their inability to complete the task.

2. **Resistance to Change**: Children may show resistance to change or an unwillingness to let go of dependence on their parents. They may feel comfortable in their current situation and not want to change it.

3. **Immaturity**: Children may not yet be ready to take full responsibility for their actions. They may lack the ability to understand the long-term consequences of their decisions or actions.

It is essential for parents to be prepared to support their children through these challenges.

**Promoting Independence and Responsibility in Children: Social and Emotional Benefits**

In addition to the practical benefits of independence and responsibility, they have important social and emotional effects. Promoting independence and responsibility is associated with increased self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and the development of positive relationships.

**Increased Self-Confidence**: When children learn to be independent and take responsibility, they feel empowered to control the course of their lives and achieve their goals. This feeling boosts their self-confidence, which contributes to their success in school, work, and life in general.

**Sense of Accomplishment**: When children successfully complete tasks assigned to them, they feel accomplished. This feeling enhances their self-esteem and increases their satisfaction with themselves.

**Positive Relationships:** Strong relationships require mutual respect and cooperation. When children learn independence and responsibility, they also realize the importance of cooperation and mutual assistance, which helps them build strong relationships with others.

**Social and Emotional Benefits of Promoting Independence and Responsibility in Children**

A child who learns how to make his bed on his own gains a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

When he begins to help his parents with household chores, he learns the value of cooperation and mutual assistance.

A child who makes his own decisions feels independent and able to control the course of his life.

By promoting independence and responsibility in children, parents can support their growth and development into responsible and successful individuals.

**Promoting Independence and Responsibility in Children: Social and Emotional Benefits**

In addition to the practical benefits associated with independence and responsibility, they have important social and emotional effects. Promoting these two values ​​is associated with increased self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and the development of positive relationships.

**Increased Self-Confidence:**When children learn to be independent and take responsibility, they feel empowered to control their lives and achieve their goals. This feeling enhances their self-confidence, which contributes to their success in school, work, and life in general.

**Sense of Accomplishment:**When children succeed in completing tasks assigned to them, they feel accomplished. This feeling enhances their self-esteem and increases their satisfaction with themselves.

**Positive Relationships:**Strong relationships require mutual respect and cooperation. When children learn independence and responsibility, they also realize the importance of cooperation and mutual assistance, which helps them build strong relationships with others.

Tips for Parents to Promote Independence and Responsibility in Children:

. **Be Patient**: Children need time to learn independence. Don’t expect them to master everything quickly.

. **Be a Role Model**: Children learn through observation. Be a role model for independence and responsibility in your daily life.

. **Avoid Over-Interference**: Give your children the opportunity to try things on their own. If they encounter difficulties, provide them with support and encouragement.

**Be positive**: When your children make an effort, give them a hand and praise their responsible behavior. This will help boost their self-confidence and motivate them to keep trying.

**Details and Strategies**The information on promoting independence in children can be expanded by providing more details and strategies. Here are some additional points that may be helpful:

**Boosting self-confidence:** This can be achieved by encouraging the child to take responsibility and make their own decisions, as well as setting personal and professional goals. It is also important to promote a sense of positivity and optimism in their lives. Self-confidence can also be strengthened in children by building trusting relationships with parents, teachers, and friends.

**Teaching life skills:** This can be achieved by teaching children the skills of planning, organizing, managing time and money, as well as effective communication and independent problem solving. They can also be taught skills such as cooking, cleaning, maintenance, and maintaining health.

**Encouraging difference and diversity:** This can be achieved by teaching children the importance of accepting differences and respecting diverse cultures, beliefs, and customs. It is also helpful to encourage them to listen, consider and respect the opinions of others.

Promoting emotional independence**: This can be achieved by encouraging children to express theirEmotionally manage stress effectively. Emotional independence in children can also be enhanced by fostering positive relationships and encouraging them to try new experiences. This includes motivating children to try a variety of activities, even if they are outside their comfort zone, such as joining a club or sports team or doing a small job.

**Encouraging children to be academically independent:** This independence can be enhanced by encouraging children to read and study on their own, as well as encouraging them to seek knowledge and information and conduct studies and academic projects independently.

Encouraging children to take responsibility:** This can be achieved by encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions, such as completing schoolwork and household chores independently. They can also be encouraged to admit their mistakes and address them themselves.

**Encouraging children to be financially independent:** This can be achieved by teaching children the value of money and how to manage it, in addition to helping them identify their needs, desires and priorities. They should be encouraged to save money independently, such as getting a side job or selling things they no longer need.

**Encouraging children to plan:** This skill can be enhanced by teaching children how to plan events, activities and tasks independently, setting their personal and professional goals, and developing an action plan to evaluate their progress. They should be encouraged to make daily, weekly and monthly plans, and review these plans regularly to evaluate their achievements.

Encouraging children to appreciate diversity**: It is important to teach children basic life skills, such as cooking, washing, cleaning, health care, time management, and organizing schedules. They should also be taught social skills such as communication, cooperation, negotiation, and problem solving.

Motivating children to build self-confidence**: This can be achieved by encouraging them to express their feelings, thoughts and needs, providing support and assistance when needed, as well as encouraging them to set and strive to achieve their personal goals, and celebrating their achievements. The value of diversity, respect and tolerance can be enhanced in children by encouraging them to listen to and interact with the views of others, and introducing them to and celebrating diverse cultures.