As your little adventurer transitions from infant to toddler, they are not only growing physically but also becoming increasingly independent every day.

You may feel torn between nostalgia for your little baby and pride in watching them grow up. In this article, we explain why autonomy is an important step for your little one and how you can encourage their progress without pressure.

What are the different stages of developing independence in children?

When your little one blows out their first candle, there is no doubt that your baby—who until then was entirely dependent on you—becomes a young child beginning to explore the world. Learning to and to opens up new possibilities for independence for your little adventurer. Suddenly, they start to express their desires and know what they do not want. They are no longer solely dependent on you; on all fours or on their own two legs, they now move around independently.

During their second year, your little one enters a phase of autonomy, also known as the " ". Your child is discovering more and more of their individuality and their own will; in fact, they know how to assert it by saying "no" (sometimes loudly ;)). Even though this opposition phase is not always easy and can challenge you, it is extremely important for your child's development of independence. They learn to make their own decisions and begin to understand that those decisions have consequences.

At around 18 months, you'll notice that your little one is making more and more progress. Of course, he still needs help, but gradually, he is able to perform many tasks on his own: eating, dressing, or even . Accomplishing these small actions independently makes him proud, boosts his confidence, and encourages him to become more autonomous. You play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging him. The more he feels supported in his efforts, the more his independence develops. Of course, there's no need to worry if he still needs help; until the age of three, developmental differences between children can still be significant. Therefore, , as this does not reflect on your little one's intelligence or abilities. Every child develops at their own pace. :)

8 tips to promote your child's independence

The development of autonomy happens through experience. This means it cannot be taught directly; instead, your child needs to experiment to acquire it. As a parent, you can still support them on this journey. One of the prerequisites for gradually gaining autonomy is feeling loved, regardless of success or failure. By encouraging them, you strengthen their confidence in their abilities. We have gathered some tips to help you support your little one in becoming confident and independent:

1. Encourage your child

Your little one needs encouragement in all their efforts; they need to feel that you believe in them as they try to become more independent. It is important for your child to realize that you support them not only when they succeed, but every time they try.

So, focus on encouraging the learning process rather than the outcome.

2. Leave room for autonomy

To learn new things, practice is essential.

So, give your little one the opportunity to make some decisions and carry out tasks independently.

If you notice that they need a little nudge, first suggest a solution and then offer your help.

Of course, always keep an eye on your little adventurer and set boundaries when something becomes dangerous. Always explain to him why it is better for an adult to handle certain tasks rather than him.

3. Allow time for testing

Even if it can sometimes disrupt your schedule, try, whenever possible, to give your child time to try new things. For example, if today he has decided to put on his shoes himself, be patient. Give him a little time to master this skill! ;)

By letting them try new things without your intervention, you show your child that you trust them and their abilities. :)

4. Teach him to persevere

Help your little one understand that setbacks are also part of learning.
Don’t hesitate to show them that you don’t always succeed on the first try either, but that by demonstrating perseverance and patience, you take on new challenges yourself. By encouraging and supporting your little adventurer in their development, you motivate them not to give up in the face of failure and to try again. Remind them that failure is just one more step in their learning process.

5. Be realistic

To grow, your little one needs challenges, but they should be appropriate to their abilities and aligned with their developmental pace. ;)

If you offer your child tasks or situations that are too difficult, they might become discouraged. Take it step by step, especially since becoming autonomous requires a good dose of courage!

6. Choose the right equipment

With the right equipment, you're already halfway there! So, for the first meals where your child eats alone, choose unbreakable dishes and children's cutlery. Clothing without buttons or zippers and shoes with Velcro will help your child learn to dress independently. For craft activities, protect your table from paint splatters and other colored markers. Your child will be able to enjoy themselves to the fullest and unleash their artistic talents.

7. Involve your little one

Although some tasks need to be done by mom or dad, your little one can also be involved in household activities from a very young age. For example, they can set the table, sort socks, or help in the kitchen by transferring ingredients from the recipe. On the changing table, you can also make your little adventurer an active participant in diaper changing—for instance, by asking them to pass you the or the liniment. For older children who are already active and would like to change their diaper themselves, you can opt for . Easy to put on like underwear, they allow for quick diaper changes while standing and are perfect for toddlers in the process of .

8. Encourage free play

The more your little one grows, the more they play alone or with other children their age. By playing independently, the little ones are in control, which allows them to test their skills, solve small problems independently, and manage conflicts without adult intervention. Not only is it fun, but it also boosts self-esteem. So, give your little adventurer the opportunity and space to play freely!

Even if the first few months with a baby are so special that they sometimes make us nostalgic, there is nothing more exciting than watching your child grow, flourish, and become independent. And don't worry—there are still many years before your little baby leaves the nest to follow their own path. :)