Encouraging Independence

I am a sleeper... I love to sleep. I cherish every moment of sleep and of course as life goes, I have three children who do not know what sleep is... such a cruel joke. My husband and I take turns on the weekends and he gets up with the kids one day and I the other. Sleeping-in at our home means until 7:30 or 8:00am on weekends since the kids wake up between 6-7am everyday and sometimes even as early at 5am. A few weeks ago we heard the kids get up and instead of coming in to our room, Aliza decided she was going to go downstairs and help herself to a bowl of cereal. We looked at each other and decided that we were going to just let her go and see what she could do.

Together Aliza, Trevor and Ella worked cooperatively to make their breakfast. They moved stools to get bowls and cereal down and helped each other pour the gallon of milk. We could hear them talking to each other (instead of yelling at each other) about their next steps and asking each other for help. When all was said and done, breakfast was made and they were so proud of themselves. They even made breakfast for Mommy and Daddy.

So sleeping in was not in the cards for either of us as we were summoned to come eat. They had done a great job. There was some spilled milk and a few cheerios on the floor. The decision was made to put water in Ella's cereal instead of milk because they had used all the milk and Ella eats anything. She won't eat what is put in front of her, but will eat whatever anyone else has and often goes around the table after everyone is finished and eats the leftovers. (not sure why, but she doesn't have issue with it and neither do they)

So for a few weekends now, the kids have been getting up and making their cereal and really seem to gain a sense of control and pride in their accomplishments. The bigger picture for us is that our kids are learning skills like cooperation, problem solving, and independence. While pregnant with Aliza we were told by the Neonatologist what Aliza's limitations would be... she would not be able to problem solve, she would not live independently, and many other things that should would not be able to do... Well Dr. M, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, the very strong, independent problem solver who is determined to meet challenges put in front of her. I know that it is just a bowl of Cheerios, but you have to start somewhere!