Raising Your Child to Be an Independent Thinker

A take charge kid is something many parents want. It helps them rest assured that their child is going to control their own life, rather than following blindly behind friends, or letting life pass them by. So, how do you raise a take charge kid? Consider the following five suggestions:

1. Give them responsibilities. A child will never learn how to take charge if they are never given any responsibility in which to take charge of. So, give them a chore, or a responsibility, and leave it to them, do not nag, or constantly remind, rather make it their thing. Of course, some gentle reminders here and there, praise for a job well done, and encouragement can’t help. Give them responsibilities that match their age and ability. For example, a 3 year old can probably feed a cat, as long as you provide the cup to dish the food out with, and make the food easy for them to access. However, a 3 year old probably can’t operate a vacuum very well, or make their bed by themselves.

2. Do not solve their problems for them. To raise a take charge kid you have to give them some reign, and some space. The fact is, if you always jump in when they have a problem and solve it for them, then they will never learn how to do it themselves, and thus never take charge of their own life, problems, or any one else’s.

Your confident child will be happier.

3. Build their self-esteem. A child who does not believe in themselves, their worth, or their abilities will never take charge. So, help your child to build their self-esteem. You can do this by helping them develop talents, and by encouraging them, and their wishes. In addition, you have to help them have positive thoughts. It is critical that they know they are of worth, and that their ideas are valid, and that their talents are real. The fact is, a child with a strong sense of self-esteem will be a take charge kid.

4. Encourage leadership. Being a take charge kid requires some leadership. So, help your child develop those skills. When faced with a dilemma, ask their opinion. Ask them to take charge often, and they will grow more accustomed to it. For example, when you go in their room to help them clean it, instead of starting it for them, ask, “Where should we start?” Then start where they recommend. When it is time for lunch, ask, “What should we have?” Start giving them the opportunity to lead, to make decisions, and take charge.

5. Do not baby them. A child who is babied, catered to, and pampered their whole life expects others to take charge, and to provide them with entertainment, food, help, and the like. They never learn how to take care of problems and improve themselves, as they expect things to be done for them, rather than doing things for themselves.