It’s Independence Day.

Whoa, wait a minute…it isn’t July!  We mean independence in the way your child feels about themselves.  A child who lacks independence, self-esteem and problem-solving skills and who can’t (or won’t) do age-appropriate tasks is a kid with a disadvantage when it comes to tackling the challenges of everyday life.

Here are some tips to teach your child to be more independent –

1.  Don’t always treat them like “little kids.”

2.  Give them more tasks.

3.  Prioritize…one task at a time.

4.  Give your child enough time and room to succeed.

5.  Allow enough leeway to complete different tasks.

There are more, of course that you may discuss with noted New York and New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman will help you on this journey to empower your child to advance through adolescence on the way to adulthood.  Call Steven Sussman today at (908) 217-8106 and arrange a meeting at his Mountainside, NJ office.