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- 🌱Encouraging Independence with Support 🌱
🌱Encouraging Independence with Support 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
As children grow, one of their biggest tasks is learning to become independent; tying their shoes, making choices, solving problems, and eventually, navigating the bigger world. But independence doesn’t mean “on their own.” Kids thrive when independence is balanced with the steady support of a parent or caregiver.
As a family therapist, I often remind parents: Independence grows best in the soil of connection. When kids know they have a safe base to return to, they feel braver taking steps away.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by jonas mohamadi on Pexels
Encouraging independence is about striking the right balance—offering freedom while staying close enough to help when needed.
Offer Choices
Let your child choose between two snacks, outfits, or activities. Choices build decision-making skills without overwhelming them.
Break It Down
Teach new tasks in small steps. Instead of “Make your lunch,” start with “Can you put the fruit in your lunchbox?”
Encourage Effort, Not Just Success
Praise the trying, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
Model Self-Talk
Show your child how you problem-solve out loud: “I can’t find my keys. First, I’ll check my bag, then the counter.”
Be the Safety Net Remind your child:
“You can try this on your own, and I’m right here if you need help.”
Activity of the Week
Photo by Chris G on Pexels
The Independence Ladder
Children often want to do more on their own, but the gap between “I can’t do this yet” and “I want to do it myself” can feel too wide. The Independence Ladder breaks bigger skills into smaller, achievable steps, so kids feel capable instead of overwhelmed. It also gives parents a framework to scaffold independence while staying supportive.
How to Create the Ladder:
Draw It Out
On paper, draw a simple ladder with 5–7 rungs.
Pick a Goal
Choose one area where your child is ready to grow (e.g., getting ready in the morning, making breakfast, managing schoolwork).
Fill in the Steps
Start with the smallest, easiest step at the bottom and build up to the “big goal” at the top.
Climb Together
Let your child try the first step, celebrate success, then move up rung by rung at their pace.
Independence doesn’t mean letting go, it means letting grow. When we give children opportunities to try new things at their own pace, while still offering a safety net, we show them that courage and support can exist side by side.
Each small step a child takes toward independence. Whether it’s pouring their own drink, packing part of their lunch, or speaking up for what they need. Independence is a building block for confidence. As parents, our role is not to rush the climb but to notice and celebrate each rung on the ladder.
To help you stay intentional, here are a few questions to carry with you this week:
When was the last time I let my child try something without stepping in too quickly?
What’s one area where I can give them more responsibility this week?
How can I remind my child that I’m here for support, even when they’re trying on their own?
These small reflections become anchors, reminding us that nurturing independence is less about perfection and more about presence.
Warm regards,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
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