Parental behaviors affect child autonomy

Certain behaviors by parents can hinder the development and autonomy of the child. Specialists recommend promoting the child's autonomy within a secure framework where limits are set, rather than leaving the child to deal with everything on his own. The goal is to provide the child with the necessary tools to develop autonomy, ensure balanced development, and achieve well-being.

Changes in child autonomy over time

Educational methods have evolved over time, with current realities affecting the autonomy of children compared to the 1960s, when children were more likely to play outside, ride bikes in the street, or come home late in the evening. However, this does not mean children must stay locked up at home and not experience freedom and independence.

Examples of overprotective behavior

Parents often do things for their child to prevent failure, protect them, or ensure safety, but this behavior can hinder the child's development. Examples of such behaviors include dressing the child in the morning when they are capable of doing it themselves, spreading their toast when they can have breakfast alone, immediately resolving conflicts without allowing the child to think of a solution, or answering for them when someone asks a question.

Research on autonomy and development

A study published in 1989 found that autonomy promotes competence and emotional self-regulation, with parental support for autonomy positively correlated with children's self-reported autonomous self-regulation, their competencies, and their adaptation as evaluated by teachers, as well as their academic performance. Maternal involvement is correlated with academic success, competencies evaluated by teachers, and certain aspects of behavioral adaptation, but no significant correlation has been observed for paternal involvement.

Encouraging autonomy safely

To ensure the child's autonomy safely, parents can allow the child to decide the vacation program, or at least in part, choose the meal they want to have, or select their outfit for the next day. Free play is also essential, defined as a game chosen and directed by the child themselves, which helps them explore their environment, develop their imagination, or learn to solve problems on their own. Free play can be carried out under the supervision of parents who are stepping back.