Want to foster independence in your toddler? Yup, me too.  Today I’m sharing 5 things we do to foster independence and self confidence in my toddler…….how you can teach your kid to be THEIR own superhero!

Thank you to Mitz Apparel and Accessories for partnering with us.

 When I found out I was having a girl, one of my first goals for her? Was for her to be strong and independent.  I wanted my little girl to be her OWN superhero.  Independent kids are great in theory, RIGHT? But…..how do you foster independence (appropriately) in a toddler?

// Mommy: julia dress / shoes / vest //

// Lydia: superhero dress / shoes (similar) / cape //

pictures by Mily Cooper Photography

5 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Toddlers

Create a Physical Environment That Allows Self Sufficiency:  CHILD PROOF YOUR HOUSE.  Why?  Because then your toddler can navigate independently.  They can get their own shoes from their room, they can get the stuffed animal they want.  

Independent Play Space:  Want your child to play independently? This is ROUGH for toddlers.  Have realistic expectations (a toddler’s attention span tends to be less than 10 minutes), and create a space where they can change activities independently.  Build a space with toys, books and art supplies at toddler level.  Practice self selecting activities.  

Age Appropriate Responsibilities: Nothing fosters independence like responsibility.  Even toddlers can be expected to contribute to their home.  Simple tasks like putting shoes away or picking up toys should be repeated on a daily basis……these jobs allow your toddler to contribute and to be responsible for an important family need.

Making Small Choices: We all want to control our own lives, right? Toddlers aren’t any different.  Allow your toddler to make small choices each day.  What they wear, what they drink with dinner, what they play with……respect those small choices and remind them they have the right to make them.

Celebrating Independent Milestones: When your toddler cleans up independently or sets up their own play area or reads books independently…..celebrate.  Let them know how proud you are that they did something by THEMSELVES!

Want more ideas? Check out our tips for how to raise strong women!

Can we talk about Lydia’s adorable superhero dress? She’s obsessed with it, and so am I!  Mitz Accessories and Apparel is a new clothing line filled with gender neutral clothing.  From superhero dresses to dinosaur tees (WITH SPIKES)…..these pieces are fun, kid friendly, and I love that they’ll appeal to ALL kiddos equally.

Our Mamas and Minis Style Collective is teaming up with Mitz Apparel and Accessories to share four of their new pieces PLUS to giveaway a $100 credit to one lucky family just in time for back to school shopping!

Check out more Mitz Apparel and Accessories from my fellow mamas:

// sandy a la mode / chasing davies / walking in memphis in high heels //

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