Why is it important that the child is independent? What is independence?

Let’s begin by answering the second question first.

Being able to understand the importance of dental hygiene comes with the habit of the child brushing its teeth twice a day. Knowing the process of brushing, or flossing is independence.  

Being able to understand the importance of personal hygiene comes with habits — the child bathing every day, using the toilet when necessary and keeping oneself and the environs around tidy and clean. Knowing the process of bathing, using the right amount of water and soap, being potty trained, following the process of drying the towels, choosing the clothes and wearing them are all a part of the child’s independence.

A lot of children at a very young age know how to serve themselves breakfast and milk, talk to the shopkeepers to buy a thing or two, climb the school bus, cycle/walk up to their schools etc. This is independence.

The child returns home — and probably likes to watch television or read a book. When the clock strikes homework-o’clock, if the child gets to the room to work, this is an independent child.

This is the child that may appear on the dinner table at the right time, brush and be in bed without being told they need to. This child is hardly dependent on the parent/guardian/mentor, as in the upbringing lies hard work of teaching life skills to this child to be independent.

The answer to the second question answers the first. Independence comes with life skills.