Independence

Independence_Final.mp4

It is not what you do for your children. but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings. - Ann Landers

Being an INDEPENDENT person means that one is not dependent on another person's authority or does not depend on another individual for livelihood or subsistence. Of course, throughout our lives, there are many times that we need to lean on others for support. We all have our go-to-people that help us navigate through life. Yet, it is essential that we have the ability to make our own decisions, to be independent thinkers who are not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion and conduct, and to find the strength within to persevere. The importance of teaching children to become independent is essential. Oftentimes, as adults, it is an innate inclination to want to shield children/youth from as much as possible and to attend to their needs as much as possible. However, to give children the opportunity to become successful in life, we also must teach them independence.

We can't expect our students to learn responsibility if we don't ever give them any freedom.

The article "The Importance of Teaching a Child to Become Independent" lists the following four major reasons:

1. Independence enables children to gain firsthand knowledge: When children gain the chance to do things on their own, they are more likely to learn things efficiently. It teaches them self-discipline. They will make some mistakes and face the consequences. Let them learn from their mistakes.

2. Independence enhances children's self-esteem: Children feel and acquire self-worth whenever they get to accomplish something on their own. They become more confident in facing challenges, which is important in preparing them for real life trials.

3. Independence prepares children to handle failure and stress: Let children feel failure. Eventually, they will learn to take negative feelings lightly. Just be there for advice, whenever they need to vent out stress. Independence builds resilience.

4. Independence gives children the opportunity to choose what will make them happy: To develop emotional maturity, children have to learn how to decide on their own. They will also learn that in life they cannot have everything.

The ending of the article sums it up nicely when it states, "Through independence children get to enhance their skills, learn right and wrong, develop their personality, and make decisions. To learn the way of life, children need to experience life. This way they will grow up strong, ready to take on life's challenges, emotionally secure and happy."

Check out this practical article from prodigygame.com entitled "10 Ways Teachers Can Instill a Growth Mindset in Students" at the link Growth Mindset Link.

Link to article: Guiding Students to be Independent Learners

Oftentimes in today's society, many young people do not want to take responsibility for their work. They may even look for the easy way out. Click on the image to the left to access an Edutopia article entitled "Guiding Students to Be Independent Learners," which offers three strategies for helping students become self-motivating and take charge of their learning.

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