Skills for Success & Independence

• Buttoning & zipping clothing 

• Opening snacks and lunch items (see seperate tab for more information)

• Using the bathroom without assistance 

• Change their clothes, if needed

• Put things in and out of their backpack.  (Your child's backpack should be big enough to hold their lunchbox, jacket & change of clothes, water bottle, and their Friday Folder)  

• Able to zip and carry their backpack. 

Understand the value of boredom. 

• • Boredom encourages children to tap into their imagination and creativity. When they have to entertain themselves, they come up with new ideas and solutions.

  • Boredom helps children learn to be self-sufficient. It teaches them how to find and create their own activities, fostering independence.

  • Experiencing boredom helps children learn to manage their emotions and develop patience. It’s a chance for them to cope with feelings of restlessness or frustration.

Let them experience losing.

• • Losing teaches important life skills such as resilience, perseverance, and the ability to handle disappointment. These experiences are crucial for developing a growth mindset.

  • Experiencing loss can motivate children to work harder and improve their skills. It provides valuable feedback and encourages a focus on areas where they can grow.

Model how to say "I"m sorry".

• Show them how to apologize by using sincere and age-appropriate language when you make a mistake. For example, say, “I’m sorry I forgot to pick you up on time. I’ll do better next time.”

• Use simple and clear language to explain what an apology means. For example, “When we say ‘sorry,’ we’re telling someone that we didn’t mean to hurt their feelings and we want to make it better.”

• When they need to apologize, guide them through the process. You might say, “Tell your friend you’re sorry for taking their toy without asking and that you’ll ask next time.”

• Recognize their effort to make things right, even if the apology doesn’t completely fix the situation. For example, “I’m proud of you for saying sorry. That helps your friend feel better.”

Saying "no" is okay.

• • Saying no helps keep children safe and ensures their well-being. It can prevent them from engaging in dangerous behaviors or making choices that could be harmful.

  • When children hear “no,” they learn to manage their impulses and desires. This teaches self-control and helps them develop the ability to delay gratification.

  • Learning to handle “no” helps children manage their emotions, such as frustration and anger, constructively.

  • Saying no when necessary helps establish a respectful relationship where boundaries are recognized and valued.

Tips for Saying "No" Effectively: 

Be Clear and Consistent: Ensure that your reasons for saying no are clear and consistent. Consistency helps children understand that rules are stable and reliable.

Provide Alternatives: When possible, offer alternatives or compromises. This shows that while the immediate request is not possible, there are other acceptable options.

Explain the Reason: Help children understand the rationale behind the “no.” Providing context can make the refusal easier for them to accept and comprehend.

Stay Calm and Firm: Deliver your response calmly and firmly. Avoid being overly emotional or harsh, as this can create confusion or fear rather than understanding.