Education Increasing Independence
FILE - A student wipes his face while his mother takes a photo of him with a sign on the first day of school at Betsy Ross Elementary School in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Experts say children need to struggle with everyday problems to develop independence. They emphasize the importance of letting kids figure things out on their own. Parents often face the challenge of knowing when to help and when to step back. Dr. Dana Suskind believes giving children the experience of solving problems is crucial. Experts suggest asking open-ended questions to guide children rather than immediately solving issues. Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge notes that today’s kids have fewer opportunities to practice independence. Parents can facilitate small challenges in everyday life to help children build confidence and resilience.
