Independence!

As a teacher, I pushed my students to be independent... try it on your own before you ask for help! How often did I say that?? I felt that they needed some level of independence in order to be a successful student. That once they tried it on their own they would feel pride in their work. That once they accomplished more and more on their own they would become more independent thinkers and not depend on others to help them complete any and all tasks. Yes, there were children who still needed help to do a lot of things. But, all children have areas of strength and that is what I pushed... see you CAN do it!

With Blake, yeah I don't have to worry about the independent thing. He's got that mastered! He gets frustrated if you try to help him do something that he feels he can do, never mind helping him do something he's already shown you he can do. Sometimes I have to remind myself that there isn't a rush... that it's ok if it takes him 10 tries as long as he is trying. (trust me strong willed and frustration over failure go hand in hand even in toddlers!)

Blake has figured out how to climb on chairs, and has been for a while now. But still struggles from time to time doing it. He is persistent and will do it... you just have to step back and watch. Give him praise and encouragement and he will do it, and then look at you like... see I told you so!