Importance of Independence in Toddl …

Do you have a toddler at home and are looking for tips to help create a space for them to learn how to do things for themselves?

Here are some tips to share the importance of incorporating independence in toddlers.

One key to raising healthy children is teaching parents how to help their children learn by doing. Let your kids lead the way.

The Montessori Method is a century-old way of teaching toddlers and kindergarten students how to understand the world around them and their place in it. In this method, adults are observers—rather than participants—who offer their children choices to succeed.

Our goal is to show toddlers how to do a task by breaking it down into distinct steps. We find points of interest for our children in that task and then provide them with clear, quick feedback. We let the child practice the task to become comfortable. In this way, children enjoy the exploration of learning by doing.

Outgrowths of this methodology at home are many. For example, once home, parents should allow their children extra time for self-care tasks like dressing, putting on shoes and brushing teeth. 

Most importantly, don’t jump in and complete the task for the child. 

You can offer gentle suggestions that may ease the task for the child, but let them learn it and do it themselves.

Here’s a Montessori key: It is okay if our toddlers make mistakes. In fact, we let them make mistakes. Why? Because when they do, then we ask, “How do we fix the problem?” So, if a child spills water on the table, then they know to get a washcloth and wipe the table dry!

As a result, they don’t feel bad about the error; in fact, they explore more options.

To parents, that means a positive result to a simple mistake. And, that positive result is so powerful!

The Montessori Method gives toddlers the ability to feel like they have control of their lives. Teachers give toddlers choices—rather than asking them yes/no questions. Offering children choices develops their independence and reduces temper tantrums.

Thus, by instilling accomplishment, pride, and independence, Montessori fulfills core goals—raising lifelong independent learners for life.

We want our toddlers to progress at their own pace while teaching them skills they need: potty training, dressing themselves, picking up and putting away their toys and refining their motor skills. There are nearly three dozen Montessori schools in La Jolla but we are one of those few private schools that are both known for our teaching method and for being thousands less than the cost of an elite private school. 

One of the reasons we’re helping our students succeed is that we have a wonderful, loving group of teachers and caring parents who believe in our methodology and its results. Our approach will encourage independence in toddlers–hopefully, yours!