Parent Coach Kristin Ward is back on the couch this week chatting about building independence in kids - without pushing them too far, too soon. 

Kristin shares research that suggests there’s less ‘roaming’ in kids these days compared to previous decades, meaning the distance that parents allow their kids to move around, especially from their home, has reduced - while other skills that boost independence like cooking and speaking up for oneself have taken a backseat.  

She shares why childhood is the best time for low-stakes consequences and learning through experience, offering advice on how a simple scaffold – watch > do together > do independently – can help boost independence and confidence in a healthy way. She also talks about leaving space for ‘welcome dependence’ when family moments call for it. 

Got a parenting challenge you need help with? Book a 1:1 coaching session online or in-person at parentingplace.nz/coaching 

Parents We’ve Met is brought to you by Parenting Place – a charity with a heart for New Zealand families. Explore our self-guided online courses and hundreds of free parenting articles and ideas ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠.   

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