The promotion of children's autonomy should start from an early age, because the sooner children have contact with the possibilities of the world around them, the sooner they will feel safe, confident and capable of solving their own problems.
Making decisions on your own is a practice that helps cognitive and behavioral development and should be encouraged at school, from kindergarten onwards, and also at home.
Check out in this article the importance of promoting autonomy in early childhood education and what benefits it can bring to your child.
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Stimulating the child's autonomy is a practice that should be promoted from an early age, as we are seeking to build a world in which the child will feel safe to make their own decisions and face their obstacles in a healthier way.
And this will be reflected in the development of much more critical and creative thinking in the first years of life, as autonomy at this stage is an invitation for children to explore the world around them and feed their curiosity.
These factors, in addition to contributing to the healthy development of the child, also help in building their personality and the way they relate to friends and colleagues, enabling greater understanding of the world in the early stages of life and a solid foundation for problem solving.
Awakening autonomy in children may seem like a great challenge at first, however, it is necessary to understand that they have this thirst for knowledge driven by their natural curiosity.
Giving autonomy is not the same thing as leaving children unassisted or unsupported, quite the contrary. It has to do with guiding, offering options and letting them decide to try and learn the best solutions.
It is a long-lasting process, as it has to do with understanding what works and what does not, as well as delineating the concepts of right and wrong through practical knowledge and experience. It is a very subjective learning experience, since for the same problem there can be more than one type of solution, and each one of them is the most suitable for a person or moment. Reconciling all these variables to finally make a choice allows the child to really develop their potential to analyze and make decisions for themselves.
Of course, this is a long journey and one that will accompany the child for a lifetime.
Check out some of the most suitable activities for different stages of childhood that contribute to the development of autonomy:
It might seem a little too soon, but don't worry. These activities can not only promote autonomy in a playful way, but are also great for strengthening family ties, such as:
At this age, children already have a greater understanding of the world around them and a sense of right and wrong. Therefore, they are already prepared for some more complex tasks related to their personal care, such as:
From this age onwards, children are ready for broader social interaction and to embrace more responsibilities. Some of the activities that can contribute to their autonomy at this time are:
At this age, children should already be more independent, doing more activities without the direct supervision of their parents.
Therefore, it is important to make them aware of how to deal with the world in a comprehensive way and emphasize that they can still count on adult support when they need it.
To make them understand that responsibility and self-preservation are an important part of their lives, it is essential to teach them to:
Throughout the process, it is essential to teach that learning these responsibilities does not need to be seen as a burden, but rather as a careful and fun way to prepare for the world and for adult life.
We discussed how parents can help develop their children's autonomy, but the role of the school is also indispensable in this process.
Let's see below some activities that can be done within the school that help in the development of autonomy and will help children to become more independent and self-confident:
To go a little further, here are some tips that can help in the development of child autonomy.
Remember: stimulating independence in your child is an ongoing task that will require patience and care. So, don't let the rush of everyday life get in the way of this process that is so important for children's lives.
Check out our tips:
Let your children do things their way; let them experiment and find what works out at that time. Of course, you can help if there are many difficulties at the beginning, but do not confuse this initial difficulty with the need for constant support.
Children need frequent encouragement during the learning process, and they won't always be able to do everything right, but they can find their way to perform certain activities. Be aware of attention calls, as this can inhibit the whole process and jeopardize the child's newly gained self-confidence.
Every new situation is a new learning opportunity, so let your child draw their own conclusions and find solutions for themselves. Of course, your support is essential for them to feel secure in exploring these new obstacles creatively.
To find out even more about the school’s role in the development of children’s autonomy, visit Colégio Aurum in Jundiaí!