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From the Principal's Desk

Dear God,

 

Thank You for the gift of  children to raise, lives to share, minds to help mold, bodies to nurture, and spirits to enrich. May we never betray a child’s trust, dampen a child’s hope, or discourage a child’s dreams. Help us, dear God, to help all precious children become all you mean them to be. Let your grace and love fall on them like gentle breezes and give them inner strength and peace and patience for the journey ahead.

 

Adapted from: Marian Wright Edelman

 

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Helping Children Grow: The Gift of Independence

As parents, it is natural to want to help our children. We love them deeply and want to make life easier, happier and more successful for them. However, sometimes our desire to help can unintentionally prevent children from developing the independence, resilience and confidence they need to thrive.

 

Child psychologist and parenting expert Dr Michael Carr-Gregg often speaks about the importance of allowing children to experience age-appropriate challenges and responsibilities. He reminds parents that resilience is built through doing, not watching. Children develop confidence when they can say, "I did that myself."

 

When we regularly step in to solve problems, complete tasks or remove every obstacle, children can miss valuable opportunities to develop life skills. While helping feels good in the moment, gradually releasing support helps children build self-esteem and prepares them for adulthood.

 

Think of independence as a ladder. At first, children need significant support. As they grow, we slowly remove the rungs of assistance so they can climb higher on their own. This process can sometimes feel uncomfortable for both parents and children, but it is one of the greatest gifts we can provide.

Age-Appropriate Independence

Prep

  • Dress themselves
  • Use the toilet independently
  • Feed themselves
  • Pack and unpack their school bag
  • Put away belongings
  • Carry their own drink bottle and lunch box

Year 1

  • Follow morning and evening routines
  • Pack their school bag with reminders
  • Take responsibility for hats, jumpers and lunch boxes
  • Help set and clear the table

Year 2

  • Organise homework and reading materials
  • Make simple snacks
  • Keep their bedroom reasonably tidy
  • Manage basic personal hygiene independently

Year 3

  • Prepare simple breakfasts
  • Pack their school bag independently
  • Begin managing a weekly responsibility at home
  • Organise sports equipment and school items

Year 4

  • Use a diary or planner to keep track of commitments
  • Complete homework with minimal assistance
  • Help prepare simple family meals
  • Take responsibility for school communication and notices

Year 5

  • Manage personal organisation and deadlines
  • Help with household chores regularly
  • Problem-solve minor friendship issues before seeking adult intervention
  • Prepare for camps and excursions independently

Year 6

  • Manage routines with little prompting
  • Plan and organise school tasks
  • Demonstrate responsibility for personal belongings
  • Develop self-advocacy skills by speaking respectfully to teachers when support is needed

A Partnership for Success

Independence does not happen overnight. It develops gradually through practice, encouragement and opportunities to learn from mistakes. As adults, our role is not to remove every challenge but to provide guidance, encouragement and a safe place for children to reflect and grow.

 

When children learn to do things for themselves, they develop more than practical skills. They build confidence, resilience, problem-solving abilities and a sense of responsibility. These qualities form the foundation for healthy relationships, future success and becoming capable, contributing adults.

 

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is step back, believe in our children and allow them the opportunity to show us what they can do.

 

"This week, what is one thing your child could start doing independently that you currently do for them?"

 

Your child's capacity to work independently at school forms part of the Learning Behaviours which will be in the Semester 1 Student Progress Reports. The Reports will be uploaded to Compass on Friday, July 17th with our Learning in Partnership (LIPs) meetings on Tuesday, July 21st. Students are invited to attend the LIPs with their parents to discuss progress in Semester 1 and their goals for Semester 2.

 

 

All the best,

 

Jane Dunstone

PRINCIPAL