We are in a new world today. The world of AI – Artificial Intelligence, where everything is intelligent and automated, solving problems and successfully achieving certain goals! Briefly meaning – being INDEPENDENT. All the machines are being made self-reliant. Thus, multiplying its accuracy and precision.

What I mean to say is the place we live in is becoming diligently dynamic. Suppose machines can be made independent and self-sustaining. In that case, we as humans with our natural ability to adapt and sustain, with human traits, can reach higher than the machines 😎 I think this is quite of a Prelude!

Let’s get to the core of the topic –

Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could do for themselves“

Isn’t this the fact? Being independent sets the foundation for a victorious and well-accomplished life. For a child’s personal growth and development, it is crucial to foster independence in them from an early age.

Self-reliance is another word for “independence,” Which means- to act and think for oneself. In today’s rapidly changing world, fostering self-reliance in children is crucial to their development. Self-reliance does much more than mere independence. It helps in empowering children to take control of their lives, make informed decisions, and confidently embark upon a challenge. This should be the ultimate objective. We are raising smart kids better than the machines.

I have two kids, one is a year and a half old and the other one- Tanvi, my daughter is in Helios International School and is 4.5 years old. One of the basic things that I have inculcated in them is to pick up their plates after they are done eating and put them on the kitchen counter. I ask them to bring their water bottles and carry them wherever we go, be it from the kitchen to the hall or to the bedroom at bedtime, and anywhere else.

I ask them to put their dirty clothes in the laundry bag or the washing machine. Give their daddy a glass of water when he is back home. Get the door if someone is at it. Put on their shoes by themselves. Check the market supply bags for what we have got. It makes me so happy that they do everything happily and eagerly.

I am not sure how much this will do the needful but I am doing my every bit and will keep on trying and introducing new courses for them at home tasks and activities. Being siblings to each other also teaches them to be responsible for each other and take care in my absence. Every day is a day to learn a little bit more.

Lincoln also says, “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time”

Speaking further about self-reliant children, they can make decisions, manage tasks, and cope with challenges with minimal or no guidance at all. This is no bigger than a dream come true for parents and the level of satisfaction is then at peak. They possess a strong sense of responsibility, take ownership of their actions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn from their mistakes. Although self-reliant children are independent, they are also not afraid to ask for help and do not isolate themselves from others.

Dependent children, on the other hand, rely heavily on others for guidance, decision-making, and problem-solving. They may struggle when faced with unfamiliar situations and lack the confidence to explore and learn independently.

The need of the present world is to generate leaders with confidence. Our little children will learn from us.

So let’s get on this beautiful journey and raise them right!

Author Name: Mrs. Sujata Pathare
Parent of Tanvi Pathare (Sr. Kg)