Let Your Toddler Try It Themselves

I will be the first to admit that it has been extremely hard to let my toddler try things themselves. The mama bear in me just always wants to be there to offer assistance. But the truth is, allowing toddlers to try things themselves is beneficial for their overall development and growth. Here are some reasons why it is important to encourage toddlers to explore and try things independently:

Promotes independence:

Letting your toddler try things themselves helps foster a sense of independence. It allows them to gain confidence in their abilities and develop a sense of self-reliance. When they accomplish tasks independently, they feel a sense of achievement, which boosts their self-esteem.

Enhances problem-solving skills:

When toddlers try things on their own, they encounter various challenges and obstacles. This provides them with opportunities to think critically, problem-solve, and find creative solutions. These problem-solving skills are crucial for their cognitive development and will benefit them throughout their lives.

Supports fine and gross motor skill development:

Trying things independently helps toddlers develop their fine and gross motor skills. Whether it’s buttoning up a shirt, stacking blocks, or climbing a small structure, these activities engage their muscles and improve coordination and dexterity.

Encourages exploration and curiosity:

Toddlers are naturally curious and have a strong desire to explore their surroundings. Allowing them to try things themselves encourages this curiosity and exploration. It helps them learn about cause and effect, spatial awareness, and how the world around them works.

Fosters a love for learning:

When toddlers are actively engaged in trying things themselves, they develop a positive attitude towards learning. They become motivated to explore new experiences and develop a growth mindset. This love for learning will benefit them as they grow older and continue their educational journey.

Builds resilience and perseverance:

When toddlers face challenges or encounter failures while trying things on their own, they learn resilience and perseverance. They understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. This resilience and determination will help them overcome obstacles in various aspects of their lives.

Strengthens parent-child bond:

Allowing toddlers to try things themselves doesn’t mean leaving them entirely unsupervised. It provides an opportunity for parents to engage with their child, offer support, and be present as a guide. This strengthens the parent-child bond and fosters trust and communication.

In Conclusion

While encouraging independence and exploration, it’s important to ensure a safe environment and provide appropriate levels of supervision to prevent any potential hazards. Parents should strike a balance between allowing their toddlers to try things independently and providing guidance and support when needed. I hope that you found this post to be helpful and feel more comfortable to let your toddler try things by themselves!