Autonomy is a concept you hear a lot about when you become a parent. What does it really mean to help your child become autonomous, and why is it so important?
Autonomy, like many other terms, has more than one definition. When it comes to children, autonomy refers to their ability to take responsibility for their actions and do things independently. It’s the foundation of their personal development.
Autonomy allows a young child to do many things, with varying degrees of assistance:
As they get older, autonomy helps them do more advanced tasks:
You are your child’s guide on their journey toward autonomy. Through your words and actions, you can help them develop social skills and become aware of their limitations and those of others. A parent can’t teach their child to be autonomous, but they can steer them in the right direction.
Every child gains autonomy at their own pace. Their progress depends on their age and personal ability. Before encouraging your child to take a next step, remember to ask yourself the following questions:
By stimulating your child’s autonomy from an early age, you foster the development of three abilities that have been shown to play an integral role in academic success:
When you allow your child to explore their environment and carry out tasks appropriate for their age and abilities, you’re nurturing their autonomy. Day by day, with your guidance, they’ll develop greater reasoning and organizational skills.
Before giving your child a new responsibility, make sure they fully understand what to do and what’s expected of them. Be present and supportive when they attempt it for the first time. Don’t worry if you have to explain the task a dozen times—that’s perfectly normal. Learning takes time and patience!
“My child has benefited from Alloprof’s services even though I’m available to lend a hand. I choose to donate so that all children, regardless of their situation at home, have free access to the help they need to succeed.” – Jennifer
Writing : Julie Philippon
Scientific review : Christine Hébert, psychoeducator
***
Rewriting : The Alloprof Parents’ team