Unlike earlier, today’s world is very complicated and full of struggle. And like everyone else, children also face many struggles ranging from the pile of homework at school, peer pressure, stress hovered upon by parents or elders, the pressure of studies, and so on. In such a situation, one thing that they should be taught diligently is to be self-reliant.

Why is teaching self-reliance to kids so important?

Being self-reliant not only helps your children to grow as strong individuals to be able to effectively handle problems but also makes them more confident about their abilities and knowledge. Besides, it teaches children that their life, their success, or their emotional stability is not always dependent on others.

Too much dependency of a child on parents or others make them feel a lack of belief in their capabilities – that they can do effectively what is required of them.  Thus, parents need to try and understand this mentality of their children to raise them better individuals.  

Importance of self-reliance

• It helps kids to handle problems effectively
• It helps them to do tasks efficiently
• It helps them to grow as a strong individual
• It helps them know how to tackle things independently
• It helps them to depend on themselves rather than others
• It also helps them to manage their finances
• It helps them to know the importance of sharing and saving

Tips to teach kids to be self-reliant

• Let them do tasks on their own

Let your kids do some of the tasks on their own, especially the ones that you think they can do easily. Don’t spoon-feed your child by doing everything for him/her. Of course, you must watch over the child while doing the task, or may as well give him/her a helping hand. But let the child take ownership of most of the tasks that they can do.  

• Let them take decisions on their own and experience the consequences 

Many times, our kids are more capable of doing things than we allow them to do. Yes, that’s true. So let your child take small decisions on their own and experience the consequences of the same – whether it is positive or negative. At least, your kid will learn from it and will understand the importance of taking decisions and doing things alone. 

• Let them help you with household chores or other responsibilities 

Introduce your child to household chores and errands that you think they can easily carry on. Give them responsibilities of the kitchen, lawn, siblings, and so on. This will make them feel like an important part of the family and that they have an essential role to play in the family.    

• Teach them to manage money and the importance of saving

In parallel, it is also important to teach kids to manage finances. They should be taught to handle their pocket money and that they should save money for later use rather than spending every bit of it. You may give them some money while grocery shopping and let them decide what all essential items they want to buy from the grocery store. This will help in raising their confidence in handling money and spending decisions.      

With the changing ways of the world, kids need to be self-reliant to have the confidence to lead a life without anxiety. So, start observing your kid’s behaviour and allow them an environment to promote self-reliance in them.