Have a toddler or preschooler? How to help them do things themselves

MILWAUKEE -- Do you have a child at home that loves to say "no" or "I'll do it myself!" Your little one is already getting a taste of independence -- and child development expert Jessica Lahner with Carroll University joins Real Milwaukee to show parents how to foster that.

• Don’t be surprised if supporting your young child’s autonomy results in fewer tantrums and greater compliance when you do need her to do something “your way”
• When children feel powerful over aspects of their lives, they are less likely to fight back when we put our foot down.
• The key is to give them opportunities to do things independently often – every day.
o Invite them to help in household tasks such as (can we have a slide of this list?)
 Laundry: Gather dirty clothes, sort clothes, pair socks, fold washcloths
 Wash windows and floors with spray bottle of water and vinegar
 Water plants
 Wash veggies in the sink
 Set and clear table
 Unload and sort cutlery from the dishwasher
 Pull weeds
 Put clothes from washer into dryer
 Dust (Swiffer duster works well)
 Scrub toilets with toilet brush and water/vinegar mixture
 Slice bananas
 Feed pet
o Praise their effort, and support them when they struggle
 Expect mistakes; don’t criticize. Doing so repeatedly risks sending the message that they are not good enough and shouldn’t try
 Empathize with their struggle, feelings of frustration
• Over time you’ll see a confident, independent child who takes healthy risks and believes he can succeed with initiative and effort