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Kids Advocacy Resource Effort PO BOX 1392 Waynesville, NC 28786 phone: 828-456-8995 fax: 828-456-8905 |
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| Ending Child Abuse and Neglect Through Advocacy, Education, and Support. | ||||
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A message from the DirectorAt KARE our mission is to end child abuse and neglect through advocacy, education and support. We offer programs that strengthen families by providing resources and tools parents and relative caregivers need in raising their children. We offer specific services to families that have experienced abuse situations, and we provide programs that prevent problems before they occur. In short, we meet families where they are. As part of our effort to reach families, we publish a monthly article on parenting issues in The Mountaineer. Our most recent article can be viewed below. We hope that you will find this information useful and thought provoking. If you would like more information on this topic or have questions about other parenting issues, please contact us @ 456-8995. Thank you for your interest in KARE. Yours in service to our children, Theresa Morgan Encouraging Your Child to be IndependentWritten by Marguerite SmithPosted: 2008-07-11 
This month we celebrate, the 4th of July, a symbol of our country's independence. To be independent means to be able take care of oneself in a healthy manner, make your own acceptable rules within your culture, and provide for your own needs. As a parent, it is important to encourage and nurture independence in your children to help them develop into productive, well rounded adults. As a parent, we all love to be needed and feel helpful, but it is also crucial for our children to become self-confident, capable, and independent. Supplying experiences and opportunities to create an independent spirit in our children can be a goal for all parents.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, developmental milestones for children and successful accomplishments of self-care tasks are age-specific. For example, an infant's efforts to lift his head, roll over, or sit up are significant steps toward independence. At any age; love, affection, and nurturing will help your children reach their goals. A child's search for independence is fueled by their desire to make things happen and feel competent. A safe environment is paramount once children are mobile. Curious and daring toddlers have little judgment concerning their safety. Independence at this stage can be encouraged by supplying small choices as a way for children to exercise some control over their lives. The key is to provide a physical and emotional safety net for the child so they will not be harmed or become overly frustrated. Preschoolers are verbally capable of expressing many thoughts, feelings and needs, and they are ready to take bigger steps toward independence. A parent can establish a few chores for their child to begin learning such as setting the table, folding towels, or helping with meal preparation. This will help your child begin to build a sense of competence and will teach your child how to do for others. Once children reach school age, there are many opportunities to facilitate independence. Decisions about friends, school projects, and play are all a part of daily life choices. Financial decision-making skills can be bolstered by giving older children responsibility with money. A parent can foster independence by providing love and support, encouraging exploration and curiosity, teaching skills, and assisting children in making appropriate choices. A child's opinion about their capabilities is largely based on the parent's response to their actions. Your enthusiasm for your child's exploration tells them that these activities are acceptable and valued by you. (www.naeyc.org) Here are a few suggestions listed on ehow.com that may encourage your child's independence: * Allow your children to dress themselves. You may not always like what they pick out but as long as they do, it is okay. * Have your child clean their own room. It may not be perfect, but as long as they try that is all that matters. * Encourage your children to help with chores so they feel like they can contribute something. Children who feel important also feel more self-reliant. * Encourage your children to think of ways to play on their own. Praise children when they play independently. Avoid the urge to entertain your children. Clearly, balance is the foundation to developing these and other skills. The NAEYC suggests that establishing limits and maintaining firm rules about important issues is necessary, yet, it is equally important to honor children's choices whenever possible. By showing your genuine enthusiasm and recognizing small tasks your child accomplishes, you are helping them gain control over their world and preparing them for a healthy, independent life (www.naeyc.org ). If you would like more information about this or other parenting topics, call KARE at 456-8995, X 203. 2010-02-11 - TEMPER TANTRUMS! WHAT NOW? 2009-06-03 - Parenting- Summer Fun and Safety 2009-05-08 - Parenting-Back to the Basics 2009-04-13 - What you need to know about Child Abuse and Neglect 2009-03-17 - Basics of Parent Communications 2009-02-02 - Catch your Children being Good! 2009-01-13 - Fantasic Parenting 2008-12-04 - To Love and be Loved 2008-11-11 - Parenting through the Holidays 2008-10-03 - Teens- Love and limits 2008-09-04 - Labor of Love 2008-08-01 - For the Love of Family 2008-07-11 - Encouraging Your Child to be Independent 2008-06-11 - Fatherhood-The Never-Ending Story 2008-05-12 - Calling All Nurturers |
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