How to Teach Self Reliance

People of all ages have a tendency to blame other people, circumstances or bad luck for the problems in their lives. Teaching your child self reliance will help her take responsibility for her actions. By taking responsibility for both the good and bad things that happen, your child will gain confidence and power over her life. You can teach self reliance through activities and examples.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your children to make age-appropriate decisions. As he ages, your child will have more opinions, many of which may differ from yours. The decisions you let him make may be as small as what color shirt he will wear that day. As long as the decision is safe and reasonable, let your child see it manifest.

    • 2

      Let your child try something on his own before helping him. Some parents tend to hover over their children, saving them from any confusion or discomfort. Feeling worry, confusion and experiencing struggle is a necessary part of maturing. Let your child tie her own shoes, make her own school lunch, wash her own dishes and clean up her own room, even if you know you could do it better and faster.

    • 3

      Lead by example. As a parent, you hold the house together by taking care of personal and family responsibilities. Show your child what you do on a daily basis, such as pay bills, fix broken things around the house, take out the trash, clean up after yourself and your pets, do laundry and other tasks. Let your child help you do these things, then transfer responsibilities to him in the form of chores.

    • 4

      Lead your child to her own answers. When she asks you a question, whether it is about homework or about life itself, answer her question with other questions, such as "What do you think about it?" or "How does it make you feel?"

    • 5

      Support your child by showing that you not only love him, but have confidence in him. Show up at his extracurricular events, cheer him on, compliment artistic endeavors, congratulate him for finishing his homework. Express appreciation for day-to-day accomplishments.

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