Independence is a good thing!

As my baby was trying to eat his cereal today, I decided I would make a post out of it. I think it is very easy to take away learning opportunities from your children because it is just so much easier to do things yourself. Totally understandable. However, the more opportunities you give your children to do things for themselves, the more independent they will become, which really is a good thing, I promise. One of the purposes of parenting is to teach your children and prepare them for the real world, so what says "real world" less than catering to their every need and doing everything for them? So, here are some suggestions of ways to help your child learn important skills without stressing you out too much.
Time to Eat
Meal time is one of the best times to help your children gain their fine motor skills and to learn independence at the same time.
-Pour the neccessary milk for the meal into a small pitcher or cup so that your child can pour their milk on their cereal or into their cup on their own. They won't have to lift the whole gallon and if there is a spill there won't be much to clean up.
-Let your child serve themselves out of the serving bowls. They might miss their plate sometimes, but they don't mind eating food that has fallen on the table.
-Let them clean up messes that they make. If the milk spills, help them get a rag and show them how to clean it up.
-Let them make their own sandwich. Get out all of the fixings and let them make it how they want it. You can show them how and then let them try, or just let them be creative. Not only does this improve their skills, but they will be much more likely to eat it if they made it.
Bath Time
-Who says that you need to wash their hair for them. As soon as they can, give them the responsibility to wash their hair and body. You might be surprised how young they can do it on their own.
Getting Dressed
-Starting very young, children can atleast help get themselves dressed. Give them opportunities to try and if it is too difficult, them try back in a few weeks.
-Let them pick their clothes (if you are not okay with the same purple shirt every day, then give them 5 outfits at the beginning of the week and let them choose from those.)
Chores
-Young children love to help with chores and although it can be more difficult to get things done, it will be well worth the extra half hour.
-As you are cleaning the floors, give them a wet rag to help. A little water on the walls or wherever they may wipe isn't going to hurt. This way, they feel like they are contributing and they learn the basics of cleaning.
-Let them clear their own plate at the dinner table. As soon as they can walk, they can do this one. You may need to assist them, but by the time they are 2 or 3 they will be doing it without a thought.
-Let them match the socks. Not only is it good for problem solving skills (begining of math) to figure out which are the same, but it will help them feel like they are contributing and they get to spend time with you. You can also let them stack the shirts, pants, pajamas, undies in piles. It is a great sorting game and gets the laundry done.
-Let them clean their own rooms. (warning: do not send a young child into a disaster and tell them to clean it, help them, or you will have a meltdown on your hands) Let them get in the habit of making their own bed and putting away their clothes. They may not do it like you would, but if you are okay with that then it is a great learning opportunity. If you are not okay with that, then you "help" them and you can straighten and messy blankets while you help.
Money Management
-It is great for your kids to have a little bit of money from a very young age so they can learn to manage it. Let them choose what they buy with it (that even means letting them feel that sick feeling when they have made a poor decision).
-Let your kids give the money to the cashier at stores. Let them help you slide your credit card give the cashier coupons so they are exposed to money matters.
-While you are paying bills or clipping coupons, let them do it along with you. Give them an old check register or a little notebook and a pen and let them go at it. They love to copy you if you hadn't noticed :).
Social Independence
-Let your child order their own food at a restaurant or ask the cashier a question at a store.
-Encourage your child to ask adults questions they may have so that they feel comfortable talking with an adult.
-Let your child call for a play date and talk to the other child on the phone. It may be jibberish but then you and the other mom can make the real plans after.
-Encourage your child to solve disputes between other children on their own. You may need to guide the problem solving, but let them come up with the solutions. You might be amazed.

These are just a few suggestions I have either tried or have heard really work. Just try one or two at a time if you are not ready to dive in. Just remember: Although it might be hard to do now, in the long run it will benefit your child's development in all aspects and keep your relationship strong. The best things are usually the hardest! Good luck and let me know more ideas or how it goes!