The Educator’s Role in Supporting Independence

Hello, my lovely listeners!

This week, we’re diving into something so close to my heart—supporting children’s independence. If you’ve ever found yourself rushing to do things for children instead of with them, or if you’re wondering how to step back and truly empower the little ones in your care, this episode is for you.

Independence isn’t about children doing everything alone—it’s about giving them the space, trust, and skills to feel capable and confident in their own abilities. So let’s explore what this looks like in practice and how we, as educators, can move from directors to facilitators in their learning journeys.

What I Covered in This Episode: Why Independence is the Heart of School Readiness

Forget rote learning and worksheets—true school readiness is about emotional regulation, communication, and responsibility. If children can express their needs, manage their emotions, and take ownership of small tasks, they’re on the right track.

The Biggest Barrier to Independence? Us.

Oof. This one might sting a little. But it’s true—the biggest hurdle to children developing independence is often the adults in their lives. We step in too quickly, we do things for them instead of with them, and we rush transitions. I share how to reframe our mindset so we can start truly trusting children’s capabilities.

The Art of Facilitating Instead of Directing

As educators, we need to give just enough support—but not too much. I’ll walk you through how to balance guidance with letting go, so children can problem-solve, take risks, and feel the deep satisfaction of mastering new skills.

Let’s Talk Transitions

Morning routines, meal prep, getting ready for outside play—these are all golden opportunities for children to practise independence. But when we rush them, we rob children of that chance. I share simple ways to slow down and create smoother transitions that encourage self-sufficiency.

Five Simple Ways to Support Independence Today:

• Pause before helping. Instead of jumping in, take a breath and ask, “What do you think you could try next?” Give them time to process and problem-solve.
• Trust that they are capable. When we stop hovering and start believing in their abilities, children rise to the challenge.
• Give them real responsibilities. Putting away their shoes, setting the table, packing their bag—small tasks build confidence in big ways.
• Slow down your transitions. Rushing creates stress (for us and for them). Give clear cues and allow time for children to move through routines at their own pace.
• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Whether it’s putting on socks or pouring water, focus on the process rather than perfection.

A Direct Quote from Me in This Episode:

“If we don’t trust the children, they are never going to trust themselves. Imagine being an adult who grows up not trusting that they can do things and they can manage in life. Like, what are we doing? Honestly, like what are we doing? We do not allow children to play unsupervised under the helicopter anymore.

And it happens in early childhood education too. And I understand the need for supervision when you're dealing with other people's children and preventable things are happening. Like, there needs to be accountability in that.”

What’s Coming Up:

• Helicopter to Hands-Off Free Workshop – Learn how to stop hovering and start empowering. Register Here (Starts 4th March!)
• Essential Elements Course – A deep dive into creating a calm, purposeful practice that supports children’s independence. Join the waitlist

Your Challenge This Week:

Take a step back and observe. Where are you stepping in too quickly? Try pausing before offering help and see what happens when you give children space to try first.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you’re fostering independence in your family day care setting? Send me a message or leave a comment!

Thanks for being here, for the work you do, and for joining me on this journey towards Big Hearted Education. Let’s keep lifting children up by trusting them to shine.

Speak soon! 💛