This is how you can support your toddler in his independence
As you move from baby to toddler, your little adventurer not only goes through physical changes, but also learns new things every day and becomes increasingly more independent. You may be looking forward to this development with a mixture of joy and sadness: On the one hand, you are wondering how the little baby you recently had in your arms could become a toddler so quickly. On the other hand, it fills you with pride to see how independent your child already is. In this article in cooperation with LILLYDOO you will find out why the development of independence is such an important step for your child and how you can gently support them without putting pressure on them.
As little as possible, as much as necessary: That was the motto of the baby care brand LILLYDOO, which deliberately avoids using perfumes and lotions in its diapers. In addition, all products are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and “VERY GOOD” by Dermatest and carry PETA certification. With the flexible LILLYDOO subscription, which can be canceled at any time, you can conveniently order diapers , pants, wet wipes, etc. to your home at WWW.LILLYDOO.COM - or you can convince yourself with the free test package.
How does the development of independence take place in small children?
From the first birthday it becomes obvious that your baby, who until recently was completely dependent on your help, is gradually becoming a toddler who wants to explore the world. Learning to walk and talk in particular opens up new opportunities for independence for your little explorer. Suddenly he can express what he wants and what he doesn't like at all. He is now more independent when it comes to getting around and can move forward on his own two feet.
In the second year of life, toddlers experience the autonomy phase, also known as the defiance phase. Your child is increasingly discovering his individuality and his own will, which he wants to assert (sometimes quite loudly). Even if the defiant phase presents you with certain challenges, it is extremely important for the development of your independence. Your child learns to make their own decisions and that these have certain consequences.
From the age of 18 months you will notice more and more progress in your child's development. Although he still needs a lot of support, he is increasingly learning to eat, wash his hands and brush his teeth independently, for example. But it's not just your little explorer's individual level of development that plays a role, his social environment and his self-confidence also have an influence on how independent your toddler already is. By the way, you don't have to worry if it continues to need or demand a lot of help: especially up to the age of three, the developmental differences between children can be very large and say nothing about intelligence or later abilities.
8 tips on how you can support your toddler in his quest for independence
Becoming self-employed is part of experiential learning. This means that it cannot simply be taught, but your child has to gradually experience and build it up on their own. However, as a parent, there are things you can do to support them on this journey. The prerequisite for gradually becoming independent is the basic trust that you will be loved - regardless of success or failure. This trust and belief in your child's own abilities can be strengthened. Here is some advice on how you can help your child become confident and independent from an early age.
- Encourage your child
This tip probably won't be difficult for you since you're already incredibly proud of your little explorer. Let him feel this calmly and encourage him strongly in all his efforts. It is important that your child notices that you not only support them when they succeed at something, but also whenever they try something new.
- Provide opportunities for independent learning
In order to learn new things, one thing is required above all: lots of practice. Therefore, give your child the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and solve problems independently. If you notice that he or she is struggling with something and perhaps needs a little push, you can first verbally support your child in solving the problem and then offer your practical help. In this way, you avoid helping him too quickly with tasks that he could handle himself with a little practice. However, you should of course always keep an eye on your little explorer and set limits when things get dangerous. Also explain to him why some things are better left to adults.
- Allow time for experiments
Even if it can sometimes mess up the schedule: whenever possible, give your child the time they need to try new things. So if he decides that today is the day to put his shoes on alone, be patient. If they can try new things independently without you intervening too quickly, it shows your child that you have confidence in their abilities. And let's be honest: with a small child, it's usually a good idea to plan a little more time in advance. ;)
- Instill the right mentality
Show your child that failure is also part of learning. Calmly show him that you don't always succeed in difficult tasks right away. If you face new challenges with patience and perseverance and encourage and support your pet in new tasks, this will help him develop his own tolerance for frustration while learning.
- Use small tools
Spending the night alone with grandma and grandpa for the first time or playing with a new friend for an entire afternoon: becoming self-employed sometimes requires a good deal of courage. A small lucky charm or their favorite cuddly toy can support your child even in unfamiliar situations and help them overcome their fears.
- The right equipment
Having the right equipment is sometimes half the battle. For example, with break-proof dishes and special cutlery for learning to eat, your toddler can start trying to eat independently at an early age. Clothing with as few fasteners as possible and T-shirts with a large neckline through which your head can easily fit make it easier to get dressed yourself. A large, washable surface when painting ensures that you don't have to worry about whether your little explorer's artistic activities will get on the dining table, so he can experiment to his heart's content.
- Actively involve your child
Even though some things might be better handled by mom or dad, you can ask your child for help and get them actively involved from an early age. Your child can take on small tasks around the house, such as helping to set the table. You can also encourage independence when changing diapers: for example, ask your child to actively lift their leg if necessary or to hand you the wet wipes or cream. The skin-friendly LILLYDOO Pants are particularly practical for active toddlers who don't feel like lying still on the changing table and would prefer to change their diapers themselves. They can be easily pulled up and down, so that changing diapers can be done quickly while standing up and your child can actively help out.
- Encourage free play and creativity
The older your child gets, the more often they will spend time alone or playing with their peers. When playing independently, children are in charge: they test their talents, solve problems independently and manage conflicts without adult intervention. This is not only fun, but also strengthens your child's self-esteem and independence. So give him space and time for free play every now and then, where he can express his creativity.
Even though the first time with the baby is something very special and you will probably look back on it fondly, there is hardly anything more exciting than watching your own child and supporting it as it develops more and more into an independent personality. And don't worry: it will still be a while before your little explorer sets out to go his own way. ;) By the way, you can find more information about pregnancy, birth and everyday baby life in the LILLYDOO magazine .
