Viral Thread Nails Why We Need To Let Our Kids Do Things On Their Own

A daycare worker’s Twitter thread contains words of wisdom for parents everywhere

It’s easy to forget that childcare providers and teachers spend upward of 40 hours per week, every week, with our children. Which means they know kids, and they know them well — what makes them tick, what makes them happy and sad. One daycare worker’s Twitter thread is going viral, because it’s a good reminder for parents not to forget one important thing: our kids are always watching us.

A 22-year-old daycare worker named Amanda posted a thoughtful thread earlier this week, demonstrating some examples of the ways our kids are impacted by our words and behaviors — both good and bad.

She justifies her position by highlighting just how much time she spends with children in her line of work.

Which means she knows better than your average bear just how much simple words of encouragement can mean to a child.

Now look, these examples are things all parents are guilty of, every last one of us. We’re only human and simply aren’t going to have the necessary patience or time to let our toddlers find their own shoes or clean up their own messes.

But when we have the time — which is probably more often than not — we need to let them do it.

If we want them to be confident, successful adults, we need to help foster that confidence by giving them the chance to succeed at their own tasks. Even if it’s letting them help stir the brownie batter or put on their own shoes.

Amanda writes that because daycare workers like herself don’t always know what occurs within a child’s home when they leave, it’s up to childcare providers to promote a positive learning environment where kids feel safe and loved.

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1047613295157542917

Plenty of people on Twitter were grateful to Amanda for sharing her insight, and the helpful reminders for parents to be encouraging and patient when the situation warrants that kind of example from us.

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1047683975718875137

I have a three-year-old and I am extremely guilty of going on Mom Autopilot and just picking everything up myself, getting her dressed, and putting on her shoes. But there are times she reminds me (aggressively in that classic, three-year-old way) that she wants to do it herself. Sometimes when I’m cleaning, offering her something as simple as a wet paper towel to wipe things down along with Mommy is enough to make her feel special, independent, and happy as a clam. Her face lights up when I thank her for her help (even if I’m just re-doing it later, when she’s not looking).

In the long run, this investment of a little extra time pays off — for both parents and child.