The Importance of Independence for Toddlers

(435 Words)
Although many parents would love to continue to do everything for their toddlers, children of this age do need a certain amount of independence. This amount will grow over time and is important for both the parent and child. The child will see numerous benefits if given age-appropriate and safe independence.
It will prevent the child from becoming too dependent on the parent
Dr. Sears suggests giving the child some independence because otherwise you might foster a relationship in which the child continues to cling to the parent. If the parent is always with the child, the child might start to feel uncomfortable if the parent is not there. This might become an issue as the child grows older and goes to school, attends a playdate or needs to be watched by someone else. It can become so severe that a parent does not feel like he or she can go out for a night and leave the toddler with a babysitter. By giving the toddler some independence early, the child will be more likely to learn that he or she doesn’t always need to have the parent right there.
The toddler will start to learn to make his or her own decisions
When your toddler has grown into a teenager, you will not be there to tell him or her what to do in every situation. At that point, you will just hope that you gave him or her the tools to make the right decisions. This starts very early. Even toddlers can make some of their own decisions such as picking out their own clothing. Let them practice making the right choices so that they will learn how.
The child most likely wants it
Most toddlers are known for their fierce independence. “Me do it, me do it!” is a chant heard by parents all over the country. Toddlers want to influence their world and spread their wings. It is important for parents to let them do so, of course in a safe manner. It will make the toddler happier and can even alleviate some of the stress on the parent. It will also allow the change of total dependence on you that your child had as a baby to gradually move to the independence he will enjoy when he is older. This will be a much better change than coddling him too much and suddenly thrusting independence on him when he is older.
It is important for toddlers to enjoy their first taste of independence. Make sure you foster an environment to give your child safe control of his or her world.