Me Do! The Independent Stage of Children

As a parent you will at one time or another, encounter the independent stage. This is the time in your childs' life when they will insist on doing everything by themselves. The question for you the parent, is, should you let them? By all means do! However, you still need to use much discretion. Balance is the key. This means you should let your child do some things, if it is safe. Sometimes letting your child try simple things will help them with development.

Where does this need for so much independence come from? It comes from the natural growth and development of your child. Figuring out how to do things on their own, is all part of growing up. Your child needs to try to figure out how to do some things by themself, in order to grow up. Being independent and trying things all their own is also good for their physical development.

How is this? Your child, gets their coordination from using their hands and from using their muscles. The whole development of muscles, comes by using them. For instance, a person who is bed ridden for awhile, often has to learn how to walk again when they are better. Why is this? They were sick for so long, their muscles lost their ability to function. Your child cannot develop their muscles properly, until they use them more. Your child can develop their fine motor skills as well as their gross motor skills while testing out their independence. Carrying a bucket or getting the mail is all part of their development.

Your child is also developing their mental capability when they are preforming tasks as well. This is because in order to perform a task, they need to think in terms of what to do next. Each step is a good way for your child to help their brain develop. Every thing your child attempts to do on their own, will take a little more time and effort. This extra thinking and extra effort is very good for your child!

So, the next time your child says, "Me do!", let them do it. It is great for your child. Think about it, if you always did everything for your child not only would you be tired, but you would also not be teaching your child how to do anything! Your child needs to learn these skills. Otherwise your child will not be fully developed. Let your child have a little independence. It will be well worth it later on it their life. Just make sure your child is safe. Of course you are not going to allow your child to partake in something that will harm them. If your child wants to do something that may be more difficult, all you have to do is supervise. That way, you are there just in case something should occur.

Your child will thank you for allowing them to do something on their own. Just wait and see!