Developing your child's independence: our tips

Developing your child's independence 

"By myself." This sweet phrase, said several times a day by your child, has a knack for getting on your nerves. Welcome to an independence phase, where your little one refuses your help. A little patience, because this step towards autonomy is important. Find all our tips to help your child sail towards independence and freedom.

What is independence in children?

Independence allows a young child to meet their own needs in order to feel fulfilled and confident in their own abilities. Independence also helps develop self-esteem, a skill that comes in handy at every stage of life. Some parents dread this phase, seeing it as a stage where their child no longer needs them. Quite the contrary, rest assured. Your child will always need you… even when they have acquired all the skills to make the right choices, now and in their future life. 

At what age does a baby develop independence?

At birth, your newborn is completely dependent on you for survival. Then, little by little, they learn to express themselves, to grasp objects, to crawl, to walk on two legs… until they finally spread their wings. Until that day comes, it is up to you, parents, to show them the path to independence. 

In general, children ask to do things on their own from 18 months — obviously, this figure is a guideline, not a rule! From this age, some babies begin to show the desire to manage without their parents. In their daily life, they want to be able to "do it all by themselves". 

Around 18 months, your baby asks for more independence: it's far from easy, as they are still finding their way. Their attempts are sometimes successes or… failures! From time to time, some actions turn into little mishaps that take time to fix. 

Now it's your turn, parents, to have a good dose of patience to follow your little adventurer in their desires, but also in the face of their famous "No, by myself!" tantrums. Speaking of which, the notorious "terrible twos" are never far away when it comes to developing independence… The key is to help them, without doing it for them.

Furthermore, by having a few basics of independence, your child will adapt better to starting school at age 3. In another article, we give you tips on how to prepare your children for the new school year.

Whatever the case, it is essential to encourage your child in their needs and to let them "do"... even if it means being late for daycare or school.

8 ideas to develop your child's independence

So concretely, how can you support this journey towards independence? Follow our ideas:

1. Create an adapted space

Set up a special corner in your home for your child. Create a nook in your living room, adapt their room to their needs and their size with various elements: provide an easily accessible and secure children's bed, a little chair, their table and their stool, where they can play, draw and explore in peace. Having a room at their level will be easier for them. 

2. Encourage free play

Let your child decide on their activity. It is fascinating to observe their little world and their environment during this process. What will they choose and how will they go about it? Free play stimulates creativity, decision-making and fosters independence. On your side, you get to know their preferences and observe their little gestures. FA-SCI-NA-TING, we tell you!

3. Be patient and let go

When your child is learning or wants to do something alone, offer them words of encouragement. When they knock over the pencil pot for the 8th time today and refuse your help to put everything back, take a breath and let go. These steps are part of their learning. Our tip for staying calm? When Junior wants to get dressed alone, or put on their shoes when you're in a rush, give them one step to do, like slipping on a sleeve or fastening one velcro strap… then help them with the rest, explaining that they'll be able to do more the next day. 

4. Involve them in daily tasks 

Depending on their age, invite your child to take part in simple activities such as: 

• Pour the ingredients into a bowl, 

• Cooking with you, 
• Setting the table,
• Putting toys away, 
• Wiping up or sweeping up messes, 
• Gardening, 
• Cleaning the windows, 
• Doing a few household chores... 

Thus, our little HIBO stool can slide into your kitchen and help your child reach the right height. These moments reinforce a sense of belonging and importance. You give your child the feeling of being "capable".

5. Say yes and let yourself be surprised

When you're a parent, you say "no" a lot. Sometimes it becomes a real reflex and we forget that our children grow up fast. In our busy lives, every minute counts. We're afraid of wasting time. Letting your child complete a whole task — who gets frustrated because they can't manage — can become very difficult for adults. So, let go and hit the pause button in those situations. Let yourself be surprised by your child who is growing up fast!

6. Respect their pace

Every child develops at their own pace. Give them time to explore and learn at their own tempo, while making mistakes. There is no need to compare, worry or rush them… The quest to acquire the basics is unique to each child! Your child needs to feel your support and your attention. 

7. Your role: lead by example

Show your child the way. You think they're too young? You never know, reread our point 5. Your child observes you in everyday life and you are their role model. How to put on clothes, tidy up, hang their coat, set the table, bring a dish, clear the table, clean up, wash, use their little chair and their stool... All these everyday gestures that seem trivial to you are fascinating for a toddler. Children love to imitate adults and will follow your lead. Teach them how to do it first, and off you go!

8. Celebrate small steps and big successes

When your child manages to do something on their own successfully, make it a joyful event. Applause, bravos, encouragement… It's the perfect occasion to acknowledge their efforts. Be proud of your child and give them courage. Sometimes Junior feels like giving up, and your cheers are a wonderful boost. Don't hesitate to talk to them to encourage them. They will learn progressively.

Our daily mission: to support your family life and guide your children towards independence. Our latest innovation, the HIBO wooden children's chair and its stool, embodies our commitment to fostering your children's development and growth… without compromising the design of your home!

Our new HIBO chair and its stool are much more than children's furniture. They are designed with a deep vision: to encourage the learning of independence and to support you for as long as possible.

Their manufacturing, from the off-cuts of wood from our LEVO baby bouncer, also reflects our commitment to sustainable development.

They are designed for children from 18 months. Slide them into your living room, around your coffee table, in the kitchen to help little ones reach the cabinets. The stool can also serve as a step-up in the bathroom to run water, wash hands, brush teeth… Onwards to learning and growing.

At Charlie Crane, we are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for your family. With our little wooden chair and our stool, we hope to offer not only designer children's furniture, but also tools to nurture independence, confidence in your child, and memories for a lifetime.