Teach your children the art of responsibility, problem-solving skills and creativity to foster self-sufficient kids.
Are you eager to see your children doing more for themselves? To see them grow into self-sufficient, self-reliant, responsible adults who can handle what life throws at them?
Raising self-sufficient kids can be challenging, but it can be done with patience, consistency, and a few key strategies. It involves providing them with the skills and resources they need to care for themselves and become independent adults.
How to Raise Strong, Self-Sufficient Children
You might think it’s easier said than done to raise strong, self-sufficient children. I get that. But let me reassure you that it’s not as difficult as it seems. Here are five ways for you to encourage and promote self-sufficiency in your children.
1. Encourage Independence & Promote Responsibility
The number one step for self-sufficient kids is encouraging them to be independent. You can allow them to do things for themselves and take on responsibilities appropriate for their age. This can include tasks like getting dressed on their own, making their own meals and doing their own laundry.
My boys do all of these and more! Sometimes as parents, we take on more than we should. So don’t feel bad about having a list of daily chores. That list ensures you’re raising them to know how to take care of themselves and the importance of it.
Here’s a quick look at what one of my boy's chore lists looks like:
MORNING CHORES:
- Let the dog out first thing and feed/water him
- Brush your teeth & get dressed
- Unload the dishwasher
- Pack your lunch (on schooldays)
- Check laundry, if your hamper’s full, time to put in a load
- Take your daily dose of Organic Elderberry Syrup
NIGHTTIME CHORES:
- Fold any laundry you’ve washed
- Shower & brush your teeth
- Check kitchen trash and take it out if needed
WEEKLY CHORES:
- Clean your bathroom
- Dust your bedroom
- Vacuum your bedroom
You’ll need to adjust these chores based on your child’s age. In my case, my kids started helping with family chores and doing their own laundry by the age of six. It’s really never too early to start, in my opinion, as long as you’re not asking more than their age allows them to give.
I encourage you to allow your children to make their own decisions and take risks while also providing guidance and support as needed.
2. Teach Life Skills
Provide your children with the skills they need to take care of themselves. Sometimes we expect them to know how to do things without really teaching them how.
Walk them through the process and rules of doing laundry or the safety precautions behind cooking. Sometimes the connection built through teaching them helps foster the confidence and independence to do it on their own.
Some life skills you can teach your little one:
- Doing laundry
- Washing dishes
- Loading & running the dishwasher
- Budgeting their money
- Limiting game time
- Managing their time
The first four are pretty self-explanatory, but I’d love to touch on limiting game time. In our family, we don’t allow games at all during the week. On the weekend, all chores have to be completed before they’re allowed to jump on. Even then, there’s a set time limit. This teaches my boys they have to work before playing.
I really like the last one, managing their time. Our children need to learn how to set an alarm, wake up on their own, start their chores, have time to eat breakfast, and get out the door so they don’t miss their bus (or make you late getting to work).
3. Foster Problem-Solving Skills
A great way to foster self-sufficient kids is by encouraging them to solve their own problems. As parents, we’re often quick to step in and fix things for them. It’s easy to do, I know. I’m as guilty as anyone.
Sometimes it’s because I don’t want them to hurt or feel the consequences. But sometimes I step in because it’s faster. In these moments, I need to remind myself that slowing down and allowing them to work through the current situation is far more important than anything else.
A great example of this is when kids say they're bored. Consider saying, "That's a problem and I'm sure you can come up with some ways to fix it." If you just list different things for them to do, they will just say no.
In life, we’re all bored at one point or another, and that's okay! Kids need to feel bored or uncomfortable sometimes because that prepares them for when that happens as adults.
It’s all about the long-term — the end game. I’m raising my kids to be able to handle all life’s ups and downs without completely falling apart or having no idea what to do. Allowing them to solve their own problems helps them develop critical thinking skills and confidence in their own abilities — this is what I desire for my boys.
4. Bite Your Tongue
When someone does something wrong, it rolls off the tongue easily to let them know they’ve done it incorrectly. The same goes for our kids. But, there’s a difference between telling your child they’ve done a chore incorrectly and nitpicking (critiquing a little too much).
When you nitpick, it can make your child feel discouraged. They’ll start believing they aren’t good at anything — especially when they’re younger.
For instance: A 5-year-old tries to make their bed but doesn’t get it quite right.
Say: “Look how hard you tried! Thank you for making your bed today, you’re such a big kid.” This shows appreciation to your child and also encourages them to continue trying to make their bed every morning.
Another Example: A 13-year-old obviously didn’t make their bed right because they’re rushing and want to see what they can get away with.
Say: “Thank you for making your bed, but I’d like you to go back and do it correctly, please.” This shows appreciation but also gives accountability. You don’t want your kid to think they can half-do things and get away with it. It’s all about balance.
5. Visual Reminders
It’s easy to get upset with your child once you’ve given them a list of chores or tasks verbally, only to find out right before bed that they never did them! But remember one simple thing, most kids need a visual reminder.
A simple chore chart or a dry-erase board on the fridge usually does the trick. They can even cross off each chore as they do it so you (and them) can see which tasks were completed. It helps them stay on track and promotes independence, meaning you won’t have to repeat yourself all day. Once it’s written, it’s now their responsibility.
Remember the End-Goal
By following these tips, you can make sure you’re helping your little ones become self-sufficient kids. You’re helping your children develop the skills and confidence they need to become self-sufficient adults.
I know it can feel like pure torture as you’re running late and waiting for your little one to tie his shoes for the tenth time. Or how annoying it is to get the kids out the door for school only to realize your teenage son forgot to brush his teeth.
It’s tough. Parenting is tough. It’s also beautifully rewarding. So it helps if you remember the end goal. Every one of these moments is an investment. They will grow older, more responsible, and happier as we teach these skills and allow them to blossom.
The entire process of raising self-sufficient children changes both you and your family in the most profound ways. It’s an adventure worth traveling! 💜
Raising Happy & Healthy Kids
My goal as a mom is to raise happy and healthy kids. Yes, giving them the tools they need to grow up and become self-reliant is very important to me, but I also want to enjoy the moments when they’re young. I don’t want those moments full of sickness.
I don’t know about you, but when one of my kids gets sick, it’s absolutely horrible. I hate seeing them so miserable. It’s pitiful. That’s why we take a daily dose of Organic Elderberry Syrup. It’s also why it’s included in their chore list to foster self-sufficient kids.
This simple sweet dose continually nourishes and sustains their overall health. It has transformed them from constant little sickies into strong and healthy kiddos.
We don’t take just any old elderberry syrup you can find online or in-store. Have you looked at those ingredients? Yikes!
My Organic Elderberry Syrup is purposefully designed to boost your immune system and keep you healthy, strong, and unwavering. Grab yours here!
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