Kebudel Parents

I can do it myself! Supporting our child's autonomy in the early years


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Autonomy isn't just a fancy concept—it's the foundation of raising children who feel confident, capable, and safe in who they are. This thoughtful exploration delves into why allowing children moments of independence and appropriate risk-taking is crucial for their development.

What happens when we step back instead of jumping in? When we allow the mess, embrace the slowness, and let our children try things for themselves? These seemingly small moments become powerful building blocks for our children's sense of self and their place in the world. Are they people who can make decisions and trust themselves, or are they always waiting to be told what to do?

The episode breaks down five practical approaches parents can implement immediately: offering choices with limits, allowing time for children to try things themselves (even when it's slower), embracing natural consequences, praising the process rather than the outcome, and creating opportunities for safe risk-taking. Each strategy is explained with relatable examples for different age groups, from babies to preschoolers.

For parents who sometimes struggle with letting go, there's a reassuring reminder that supporting autonomy isn't about getting it right all the time—it's about doing what you can when you can, and recognizing those small moments where stepping back might be more valuable than stepping in. After all, we're not raising perfectly obedient children; we're raising humans who will need to think, choose, fall down, and get back up throughout their lives. Join our parenting community at Caboodle if you'd like to continue the conversation about nurturing your child's independence.

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Welcome to the Kebudel Parent Podcast—your no-nonsense, fun-filled guide to parenting, straight from the experts who really get kids (and parents too!).

Brought to you by experienced early childhood educators, we’re here to dish out practical advice, laugh at the messiness of parenting, and share our insider knowledge to help you thrive. From decoding tantrums to sparking your child’s love of learning, we cover it all with a healthy dose of humor and zero judgment.

Why listen? Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it can come with expert-backed insights, a little sass, and a whole lot of support. Let’s navigate this wild ride together—one episode at a time.



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Kebudel ParentsBy Angela Bush