Encourage Autonomy in Children

Let them make choices : “Do you want to wear a blue shirt, or you prefer the grey one?”

Show Respect for a Child’s Struggle : “Box lids can be stuck very badly. Sometimes tapping it with a spoon on the side helps.”

Don’t Ask Too Many Questions : Instead of “How are you? What did you do? Where is your tiffin?” you may say, “So happy to see you, come, tell me EVERYTHING that happened”

Don’t Rush to Answer Questions : “That’s an interesting question. What do you think?”

Encourage Them to Use Outside Sources : “Did you ask Aunty which book to read?”

Don’t Take Away Hope : “So you’re thinking of trying for a role in the school play. Let’s see what they say.” “You want to ride a bicycle? I’m sure one day you will definitely do it.”