Showing posts with label independence with your kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label independence with your kids. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Parenting 101 : Your Kids New Found Independence

The "Do-It-Myself" Guide
 to get you through the 
Independent Ages!


My girls are getting older

With that comes 
  • this independence
  • this “I can do it” attitude 
  • this fight to have the power to control their own situations.  

There is a fine line here as a Parent. Do I correct my child for “flexing her muscles” and taking that tone with me -or- do I back up a little, give her some room and brush it off? 


On top of the tone/coming close to breaching respect thing comes the fact that, 

Well, Mom, your baby is growing up. 

Tissues please!  



But, in either case, it is time for your kiddo to gain some sense of independence, whether we like it or not!



Here are some simple steps toward the independence ladder by age:


Age 2- it is time to work on the nose blowing

The best way, as I have found and talk to other Moms, is to ask your child to blow out through their mouth, like she is blowing out her birthday candles on her cake!  Then, have her close her lips and blow through her nose. Remember, praise for a job well done! This is a HUGE step.







Age 3- you have to let them wipe their bottoms by their selves. 

It is hard to let the control factor go here, but it is essential. As soon as your kiddo learns to use the potty, it is important to start laying down the fundamentals. We just had our youngest start Pre-K and with some extra work she is wiping herself, which was essential since the teachers will not handle this, nor would I approve.


Age 6- Showering solo.  

This was so super easy in our house. My six year old was introduced to showers early, like maybe at age 3- with Mom’s help of course and supervision.  But, this year, as she is six, she starts the shower and handles her routine herself, including getting her own towel. It was a big step but to see her pride made it worth the new found independence for her.




Age 9- Applying Deodorant.  

I have  a few years (lord knows they go by fast) before we hit this milestone, but it is important to talk about it now. Our kids see us using deodorant and ask questions that we are eager to answer. Just a tip, when you kiddo is ready for deodorant, opt for a roll on or a solid that is labeled “deodorant” since they do not need an antiperspirant as an adolescent since it reduces the skins ability to sweat. 






A fun book that I found for handling the delicacy of hygiene (for girls):


The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition by Valorie Schaefer


Our best-selling body book for girls just got even better! With all-new illustrations and updated content for girls ages 8 and up, it features tips, how-tos, and facts from the experts. Girls will find answers to questions about their changing bodies, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. And once she feels comfortable with what’s happening, she’ll be ready to move on to the The Care & Keeping of You 2!

Kindle Price:$6.38
Save $6.61 (51%)

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