As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to want to step in right away when we see our child struggle. We want to make things easier, avoid frustration, and show our love through helping hands. But sometimes, the best way to support children is by holding back. Everyday routines like getting dressed, pouring a drink, or putting toys away are powerful chances for children to problem-solve and feel the joy of accomplishment. 

Building Independence at School

We believe that fostering independence and teaching kids self confidence in the early years is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Our classrooms are designed to encourage responsibility, self-care, and confidence with teachers who guide children patiently as they practice doing things on their own. Would you believe that toddlers can help clean up after they eat? It’s true! In our toddler and 2 year old classrooms, children bring us their dishes after meals, help tidy up toys, and locate their own coats when it’s time to head outside. 

By the time our students are ready for kindergarten, they’re independent in many everyday skills—zipping coats, washing hands, following routines, and even taking on classroom jobs. Our teachers model these skills, then step back to let children try on their own. Often, this means standing nearby with patience and encouragement as a child wrestles with a zipper or carefully pours water into a cup.

And when they succeed? The look of pride on their face says it all. These “I did it myself!” moments help children’s confidence bloom and grow. It’s one of the many benefits of letting kids do things on their own: children not only gain practical skills, but also learn to trust themselves.

Encouraging Independence at Home

There are lots of ways to encourage independence at home, too. Check out our list of suggested activities. At first, you may need to model these skills. Over time, let your child take the lead. If you see them struggling with a button, or putting toys in the wrong bin, resist the urge to jump in too quickly.  

• Watering plants with a small cup or watering can
• Setting napkins on the table at mealtime
• Putting toys away into labeled containers
• Pouring and serving using a child-sized pitcher or spoon
• Practicing dressing skills such as putting on socks, shoes, or coats
• Helping with clean-up by wiping a table and bringing their dishes to you or the sink
• Building self-care habits like brushing teeth or washing hands

Why Parents Shouldn’t Always Help

When parents step in too quickly, children miss out on valuable practice. They don’t get the chance to develop hand strength, coordination, and persistence. They may feel defeated and start to believe that they can’t do things on their own, when in reality, they just need time and space to try. By not stepping in right away, you’re giving your child the chance to problem-solve, learn from mistakes, build confidence, and feel capable. Remember not to micromanage when your child is developing new skills. If your child puts their sock on backwards or doesn’t make their bed the way you would, that’s okay. These are fixable things, and what matters most is that they’re trying.

A Community that Builds Confidence

At school and at home, children thrive when adults work together to support independence. Our teachers guide children through daily routines, celebrate their achievements, and encourage patience as they learn new skills. When parents also incorporate these strategies at home, children gain consistency, confidence, and trust in their own abilities.

These early moments of independence add up. Each time a child pours their own water, zips their jacket, or solves a simple math problem on their own, they are learning more than just a new skill—they are building confidence for a lifetime. Over time, these experiences help children believe in their own abilities so they can say with pride and certainty, “I can do it!”

To learn more about how we build independence and confidence in our students, contact us today!