By Amy Williams, MA, DTR, RMT
For many of our younger students, walking independently is a new skill. It is necessary to practice as much as possible in order to refine balance and grace. Children are developing muscles, building self-confidence, developing self-construction and most importantly, growing in independence at lightning speed! The practice of walking into their classrooms on their own two feet results in great pride and confidence and begins their day with a reminder that they can do hard things- even walking through a crowded hallway with comparatively tall humans, sibling strollers, lunchboxes and the random stray rain boot. Not an easy task for someone with short legs!
Carrying our young children in our arms all the time is so tempting. In our arms, they are close to our face. It feels good. Honestly, it is indeed faster… However, as we support their emerging independence, it is important that we allow the young child to walk into her classroom on their own every morning. As a parent, you can set the expectation that your child can walk to the classroom door, carrying their own things. In doing this, we empower the child to know that they are capable and responsible. And, he will rise to the occasion.
You may have noticed that our staff rarely carry your child. Only if there is an emergency will we pick up a child. Being carried around is a passive. Being passed from one set of adult arms into another set of adult arms is something we want to avoid.
Here’s what you can do. Allow some extra time for drop-off and pick-up so you won’t feel tempted to scoop her up in your arms to save some time and hassle. Your child will feel so empowered if she is allowed to carry her own personal things. So much is not yet in her control. Being able to take care of her own belongings instills a great deal of confidence. If your child needs help unbuckling himself in the car, do so, then encourage him with verbal prompts like “Don’t forget your lunch box!” with a big smile. Confidently show your belief in his ability and competency. Your confidence will become their confidence!
Prepare your child ahead of time about your belief that they are capable to walk on their own and can carry their own things. You can narrate as she figures out how to manage lunchbox, coat and anything else she may be bringing to school. “You have all of your things balanced.” “I see you are concentrating so hard on walking carefully around all the people.” “It sure is crowded, isn’t it?” “We are making our way to class, aren’t we?”
You will be amazed by what you will see at home from making these small changes. A child who carries her own items at school will often take on more responsibility at home, like preparing her own lunch, doing her own laundry, washing her own dish, and more.
You got this!
