Independent Daughter

All kids have different personalities and traits that distinguish who they are as a person. My first born, Adeline is this witty, loving and INDEPENDENT child. Let me be real sometimes I forget how little she still is.

She made the transition to being a big sister super easy for me. So much so that I have to check myself and make sure to “treat” her like a six year old. What that means is even though she’s super independent, cautious of hers and others feelings, and behaves like a teen at times. I have to approach her as the six year old that she is and no expect so much from her.

For those with independent babies, let’s face it they will always be our babies, there’s different ways to help them thrive. Even at a short age there’s chores and things they should be able to start doing on their own. Not only do they love to feel like they’re big kids, it boosts their morale.

Chores I have Adeline do that are appropriate for age are:

• Making their beds
• Folding and putting away their own clothes
• Setting the table
• Clearing the fable
• Feeding pets
• Cleaning their play area
• Removing trash bags from bathrooms and putting new ones in the bathrooms
• Vacuuming their own room (if you have a super light vacuum)

Things that they can do (remember every child is different):

• Getting a bowl of cereal
• Preparing their own snacks that don't require to be cut with a knife
• Picking their own clothes out
• Dressing themselves and putting their shoes on
• Cleaning themselves
• Brushing their teeth
• Brushing their hair
• Reading to younger siblings

Kids do thrive when you let them explore and do things on their own. Having a baby has made it easier to trust (even if it takes 20 minutes instead of the 2 minutes it would have taken me) that she is capable of fending for herself. That the whole teaching process of doing something is actually a bonding experience that later she can look back and say my mom taught me.

Have a lot of patience with these independent kiddos and praise them for their accomplishments. But most of all love on them because before we know it they won't be so little anymore.

To my sunshine, you're doing an amazing job being a six year old. You've made this momma job easy on me.