Most kids aren’t naturally responsible and need to be taught. Here are six tips for teaching responsibility to kids. If you’re like most parents you’ve probably dreamed of a world where your kids are more responsible: They pick up their toys without reminders Consistently place their laundry in the hamper instead of the floor Brush…
Raising an independent child not only defies conventional parenting advice, it also leads to a more peaceful and positive parent-child relationship. Ask parents what character traits they’d most like to see in their kids and independence and responsibility top the list. But what most parents don’t realize is that in order to raise kids with…
These ten children’s responsibilities at home encourage a helping mindset in kids. Kids want to have responsibilities at home. “Really?!” you may be thinking. But ultimately it’s true. More than anything kids want to feel capable and significant in their family and the world. And responsibilities at home can help achieve this. Consider the opposite for a…
Strong problem-solving skills are essential for our kids to navigate the world independently. And as our children grow in their ability to problem-solve, they’ll demonstrate greater autonomy and responsibility, making parenting easier. Problem-solving is one of nine important 21st-century skills our kids need. Click the link to see the full list. Mom, I forgot my…
Without realizing it, many well-intentioned parents develop mindsets that hinder their children’s growth towards a successful, self-sufficient adulthood. Our children will leave the nest one day. Whether we want them to or not. And when that time comes, most parents hope their children will be prepared to enter the world with the confidence, knowledge, and ability to…
Kids routines provide children with cues throughout the day that encourage self-reliance and independence. Below are six ways kids and parents benefit from routines. But I don’t want to be tied down to a schedule! I thought to myself as I read about the benefits kids and parents receive from following a routine every day. The…
Positive parenting methods emphasize trust and respect. And are the most effective way to support children’s self-esteem and self-sufficiency. “No! I won’t!” my toddler cried as she stood by the door, arms folded and tears streaming down her face. We were in a battle to get her jacket on. And as her parent, I needed…
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting is trying to motivate kids to do things they don’t want to do. These eight tips (and a whole lot of patience!) can help. It’s 4 PM on a Sunday afternoon and you’re about to lose your nerve. Your son had all weekend to clean his room…
Parenting toddlers through their “I can do it myself!” stage can be tricky. Here are a few ways you can support their independence without losing your mind. “I want my socks off!” my almost-three-year-old cried in desperation as tears began welling up in her eyes. “Socks off!” We’d just come home from preschool and in…
Time management skills usually don’t come easily to kids. Here are a few ways to help kids manage their own time and get things done. “How many times do I have to ask you to vacuum your room?” “When are you going to begin your reading assignment?” “Don’t forget you need to put away your…
Raising self-sufficient kids is about more than just teaching life skills. Here’s how to create a home that nurtures your child’s confidence and independence. When they were toddlers you spent hours teaching them how to tie their shoes. When they turned 10, you gave them the low-down on how to use the washing machine. And…
Not sure how to encourage self-sufficiency and independence in your tween and teen? This advice can help! Related: 15 Skills Kids Need Before They Leave Home Gently you try to shake your 13-year-old awake. “Time to get up for school!” you say in your cheeriest voice possible, even though you can’t believe your teen still…
Are you eager to have your young kids do more for themselves? Here are nine ways to encourage and raise self-sufficient kids. Is there anything more agonizing than running late for work and watching your 4-year-old try to tie his shoes? One lace slips out of his hand as he S-L-O-W-L-Y tries to loop the…
Research shows there are four different parenting styles but only one tends to result in strong, resilient kids. (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.) Those first few weeks and months of being a parent are…
Inside: A list of the best parenting books with advice on how to raise kids who are grounded, successful and ultimately grow up to be self-sufficient. Before giving birth to my first daughter I didn’t read a single parenting book. Not one. In my overconfident pre-parenting state of mind, I felt I knew everything I…