Fathers and mothers are often excessively overprotective with their children, with all the love in the world with the aim that they do not suffer the slightest damage. However, this way of raising the little ones, in a kind of protective bubble, prevents them from reaching the appropriate degrees of autonomy for each stage of childhood.
That children are autonomous is a fundamental task of fathers and mothers, because that freedom to explore depends on the children learning to navigate the world and the environment that surrounds them. In order to know what a child should be able to do by himself at each stage, there are a series of general tables made based on the average experience of children according to their age.
The degrees of autonomy in children
If you think that you are protecting your child excessively and that this prevents him from gaining autonomy, you may need to check if is able to do the things established for him according to his age.
Between the 3 and the 4 years
Children must be able to handle kitchen utensils with some agility. They eat correctly with the spoon, begin to handle the fork and are able to hold the cup by the handle. They also begin to show interest in using the knife, to encourage it, let them spread the butter on the bread or cut soft things like a banana.
They are also capable of dressing and undressing, at least taking off their clothes and unbuttoning their shoes. It is still early to fasten and undo buttons, but a good degree of autonomy will lead the child to want to do it soon. At this age they can use a napkin to wipe themselves while eating, in addition to turn on and off the tap to wash your hands.
In addition, at that age they are also capable of walk up the stairs alternating feet And they can hang their coat on a hanger, as well as their backpack when they get home from school. Place some hangers at their height at the entrance of the house, so they can practice this task that they already do at school every day.
From 4 to 5 years
They are now able to eat on their own and use a fork well. You can also comb your hair, getting dressed and even buttoning. Putting your shoes on and taking them off, yes, shoes with velcro and not laces for what is still early. A good degree of autonomy at this age is that the child is able to wash his face, teeth and hands, even going to the bathroom.
In addition, you can start making small housework, such as helping to set and remove the table, throw things away, or place and order their toys. Encourage their autonomy by entrusting them with tasks that they can performSuch as feeding the pet, making its bed, or putting dirty clothes in the basket.
Between the 5 and the 6 years
The child is already beginning to handle the knife with some ease and every time he eats better with the elderly cutlery. You can dress alone, zip up your coat and close the buttons, start learning how to tie the laces but it will take practice. He is aware that all things are not hisLearn to respect the things of others and take care of your own.
How to help children achieve degrees of autonomy
Although these are some things that children should do independently according to their age, there are exceptions and therefore they should never be compared. Many children mature a little slower and need more time to be able to perform tasks autonomously. You also have to count on the fact that many children have functional diversity, although in those cases you also have to help them to be autonomous, even more so if possible.
Just because your children are able to dress or eat on their own, without your help, does not mean they stop needing you. In many cases, mothers cling to their children as if growing up they ceased to have a role in life. But that they are autonomous and capable of facing the world, is an essential part of its development. Helping your children grow and be independent is the best way to ensure that they will always be able to take care of themselves.