It’s not uncommon for children to carry out tasks independently outside the house at a young age in Japanese cities, considering the culture and planning is conducive to it. Anywhere else in the world, it will raise a question of safety. So, how can parents in Mumbai instill such skills and values in their toddlers? We speak to four parenting specialists and mommies to share their experiences and tips.

Try to model correct behaviour
Payal Narang, child psychologist and blogger, 38, Mumbai; Abeer Gandhi, 3.4 years

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

Let toddlers participate in household tasks and follow your lead. Encourage them without rushing them. Don’t offer help even if they are taking too long, unless they ask. Their confidence will grow when you let them experience and perform a task without too much interference. You can help by preparing  for the activities. For example, set up a simple water station  so they can pour water from a jug for themselves when they get thirsty. It might get a bit messy in the beginning, but they are quick learners.

Go working mums
Tripti Bhatia Gandhi, founder PR company, 33, Mumbai; Kayaan Gandhi, 2.5 years

Kayaan Gandhi

We introduce Kayaan to various experiences and allow him to observe, explore, help out in the way he wants to and decide what he likes. He makes smoothies and helps to knead atta. We’ve noticed that this makes him feel empowered.

As a working mother, it’s reassuring to know that my child is confident and has a sense of independence. Mum to mum — Trust your child, your instinct and yourself. Both you and your child, know what’s best. And just because you’re a working mom, there is no need for you to give in to any kind of guilt.

Terrific twos
Yashika Raparia, Montessori trainer and parenting influencer, 29, Pune; Nitya Solanki, 2 years

Little Nitya Solanki engrossed in a busy activity

We tend to focus on academics and forget that social intelligence is equally important for children. They should learn communication skills, generosity and kindness. There’s a term called ‘Terrible Twos’ because their tantrums step up when they turn two.

I like to call it ‘Terrific Twos’ because toddlers are at their best stage to learn independence. They love to have control over their tasks. But when we don’t give them time and space to work on skills, they throw tantrums. To help my  daughter become independent and develop life skills, I base my parenting on observing her, what she chooses to engage with and then, incorporate that into an activity.

Take the culture of Montessori home
Mirelle Drego Prabhu, 39 and Ayisha Pereira, 40, founders, Little Butterflies Montessori School

Little Butterflies Montessori School

Montessori education caters to the needs of each child rather than an age group. It promotes self-motivated growth across planes of development through the material and prepared environment it offers.

>> The home is where children can safely explore, use, and master objects they encounter.
>> Give them child-sized equipment to use on tasks.
>> The aim of a task shouldn’t be its purpose, but experience. They can perfect it over time through repetition.
>> Keep toys on a rotation basis so they can appreciate one at a time, instead of running through toys at a quick pace and wanting to know what’s next.