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Encourage a Healthy Sense of Independence at Any Age

By Jennifer Wolf, About.com

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Fostering Independence From the Beginning

Infants | Toddlers | Preschoolers | School-age Children | Pre-teens | Teenagers

By nature, your infant is wholly dependent on you. However, it is healthy to allow your child to develop some coping skills and independence. To do this, you can:
  • Provide lots of tummy time for your baby when she's awake.

  • When you're playing together, allow your baby to reach for toys that are just out of reach.

  • Put your child in his crib while he's still awake so he learns to fall asleep on his own.
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