What Independence by first grade means for you is decreasing parental mental load and frustration while increasing your child’s confidence and responsibility. Imagine the confidence your child has when feeling “I can do it myself” while reducing your overwhelm of “I have to do everything”. It means learning independence skills while your child’s brain is primed for learning and is not afraid of mistakes.

Who is Independence by First Grade for?

Independence by First Grade is for any parent of a child between 1 and 6. During this period of development children have a desire to be independent. This is a period of rapid growth and development in children. The majority of growth occurs through play.

This is intended to meet you and your child where you are at and encourage growth from with 10 minute challenges. Big goals like getting ready for school independently can be broke down to simple tasks. You will look at the next step and work through a 10 minute challenge to meet the goal.

If your child has special needs you may need to adapt your expectations. Even if your child can not be fully independent it is important to provide ways where they can. Children are constantly learning, growing and making new connections in the early years.

What Does an Independent First Grader look like?

An independent first grader still needs plenty of assistance but without constant reminders. Independent first graders are capable of trying and failing hard things. They are able to speak up for themselves and take responsibility for their needs.

Independence by first grade leads to confident children who enjoy learning and trying new things. Resilience gives them the ability to continue to try when it gets hard or they fail. The children have positive self image and are able to

Planning and organization is not a skill that you typically think of for 1^st graders. After following independence by first grade ladder for being prepared you will be amazed what is possible. Your child is capable with practice and preparation to pack bags for school and sports including making sure their uniform was washed.

What are the benefits for the parent?

Many of the problems you hear from parents of school age children can be saved by promoting independence. No more dropping off forgot lunches and school projects. School mornings your child is up and ready with no input or requests from you.

There is more quality time with your children. When you are not managing your child’s life you are free to enjoy them.

What Independence by First Grade is not.

Your independent first grader still needs you a lot. They just need you in different ways.

Instead of…. Spending 5 minutes packing their backpack

They might need… a quick snuggle and hug

Instead of… spending 30 minutes getting them dressed and washed up for school

They might need… breakfast with you talking about what they are looking forward to at school

Instead of… spending 30 minutes a day reminding them to do things

They might need… going for a bike ride together

Instead of… coming home from work and feeling burned-out with all the tasks to do

They might need… Bonding time cooking dinner together

With an independent young child you will feel as though you get the chance to enjoy their childhood more. Parental burn-out decreases as you are no longer the mental load carrier for everything. Your child still needs you quite a bit. You are no longer putting the effort into things they can do for themselves. Instead you are putting in the effort for connection and providing opportunities for growth. Independence by first grade will change how the household operates.

What to do next?

Take 10 intentional minutes a day to move toward the big goal of childhood independence. Next we will talk about the domains that the skills will be broken down into.