You Can Do It!

What happens when we let a child figure things out for themselves?

Anyone with children in their lives knows that we adults often step in and do things for children that they are able to do themselves.  The reasons are several: time constraints, we can do it more efficiently, we tend to make less of a mess, we’re tired, etc.  It is not always possible to let children figure out activities for themselves, but when it IS possible, there are many benefits.

Giving the right amount of encouragement without overdoing it teaches children how to think creatively, solve problems (they may come up with a better solution, wouldn’t that be fun?), deal with frustration and builds the resilience we all need to handle the world.  It also avoids learned helplessness, which is a huge barrier to success. 

Your child is trying to assemble small Legos and they won’t go together?  Keep trying.

Your child wants to stir cake batter and it spills?  Hand them the cleaning supplies then keep going.

Your child puts their shirt on backward?  Gently help them figure out how to fix it (but take pictures first, it’s cute!). 

As I said, this isn’t always possible.  But when you can let your child figure things out for themselves, it’s a major step on the road to adulthood.