The 12 domains of independence is a structure used to break down the big goal of childhood independence. Breaking down what to work on next is easier when like tasks are together. When you review the list of domains take a moment to think which domains could use a little work.
Getting Ready
The getting ready domain of independence involves all the tasks it takes to leave the house or transition to a new part of the day. Your child will be able to fully get ready for the day by first grade.
They can get dressed, handle basic hygiene, prepare a simple meal, and pick up after themselves. Many of these tasks are addressed in other areas. These are prioritized in the getting ready domain as they can change the mood of the whole day.
Being Prepared
Being prepared domain of independence pairs well with getting ready. In the being prepared section the child looks at the future and decides what is needed. This can start with checking the weather to pick the right outfit.
Packing snacks, lunches, and backpacks the night before falls into this category. Items like this help to look at the future and decide what is needed. Packing sports bags and being responsible for water bottles when leaving the house are important skills.
Personal Hygiene
The Personal Hygiene domain refers to basic hygiene. While brushing teeth and washing hair may not be a fully independent skill for some time it is a skill they can practice independently.
Many skills that fall into this domain include toilet use, washing hands, and blowing nose. These tasks can be handled independently. Other items like knowing nails need to be trimmed provide an opportunity for the child to speak up for themselves.
Home Contribution
Contributing to the household keeps the house running smoothly. In this domain of independence it is important to remember that we are not looking for perfection. At this stage we are looking for participation and learning.
A simple place to start is picking up toys and cleaning spills. This can also include setting the table or cleaning up after meals.
Problem Solving
Independent children are problem solvers. Be ready for some creative problem solving which may not be your idea of the right way to solve the problem.
Not every attempt made will turn out fantastic. Let them take small risks and fail. They will just solve the problem again and better next time. We want our children to practice when the problems are small not wait until they are older and the problems are a bit more permanent.
Communication
Communication domain of independence can be challenging but it pays off. The growth our children have between 1 and 6 in communication skills is amazing. You go from having a handful of words to expressing creative ideas and whole conversations.
Throughout these years we have the tantrums, the why’s, the no’s, and the oversharing with strangers. We have to teach our children how to speak up for themselves as well as how to not interrupt others when they are talking.
Kitchen Independence
Don’t expect your child to cook full meals by themselves. With practice children follow recipes and bake cookies. And more practically they will prepare an after school snack.
Kids enjoy cooking with you. They happily stir a pot of chili for 30 minutes if you are in the kitchen washing dishes and wiping down counters.
Gross Motor
For this domain of independence we need to move our bodies. Run, walk, dance, jump, and ride some bikes. Balance, push, pull, and bend.
Healthy bodies move and often. These movements also help our children to work through frustration and tough problems.
Fine Motor
Fine motor skills will be used to tie shoes, buttons, and zippers. All that just to get out the door! We practice using pencils and crayons as well as scissors.
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy in this case is not be introducing the idea of a 401K. There is much to learn early about finances before your child has their first dollar. This begins with understanding the difference between needs and wants.
It is important to discuss earning money, budgeting, and spending. Now we aren’t getting too deep into this. It can all come out simply when they are playing their ice cream shop game.
Early Literacy
We use books and handle them nicely. Such an important thing to learn early. By 1st grade they will have been introduced to all of the letters and quite a few of their sounds. They may not be able to read and write but should have an understanding that letters make words. And words turn into stories.
Emotional Self-Management
Emotional self-management is a life long pursuit for us. This is our children’s first attempt at being able to manage and work through their emotions. Calming and coping strategies should be worked through while the child is calm and feeling good.
Our children will have new feelings they have not experienced before. Sometimes this is confusing and it can help to name the feeling and discuss where in their body they feel it.
