Chapter 38 develop children's independence

Good parents, like good teachers, have to make themselves gradually dispensable to their children.Parents should let their children make their own decisions and use their own power, and parents will be satisfied with such a relationship.In conversations with our children, we can consciously use sentences that imply our belief in their ability to make informed decisions for themselves.Therefore, when our inner response to the child's request is "good", we can conceive some declarative sentences to express our views and cultivate the child's sense of independence.Here are some such expressions:

"If you want." "If you really want to." "You decide the matter." "It's really up to you." "It's entirely your choice." "Whatever you decide, I'm fine." Our answer "yes" may give the child satisfaction, but other statements will give the child additional satisfaction because they have made their own decisions, and they will be happy about our trust in them. All of us parents want our children to be responsible adults.Without respect, the teaching of responsibility can go astray.Chores, food, homework, pocket money, pets, friendships, these are areas where parental guidance is important.Children strive toward independence, and our guidance must be sensitive to and understanding of their efforts if it is to have the desired effect.