Children as young as one or two years old begin attempting to dress themselves and manipulate toys, with many parents eagerly assisting them. Child psychology experts advise allowing children to complete tasks they wish to undertake independently.
French child psychologist Agnès Santou-Fédel emphasizes that granting children ample time to play on their own cultivates their autonomy.
Santot-Fidel observes that careful observation of young children at play reveals coherent thinking and logic even in toddlers over one year old. Their reasoning involves relatively complex thought processes, imagination, and even exploration—all crucial for development. Thus, parents should provide ample space and time for hands-on activities from an early age.
Regrettably, parents often assume they know best and intervene. For instance, when a child stares intently at their hands or an object for an extended period, parents may feel the child should shift focus and engage in other activities. In reality, children frequently need this time to discover and explore their surroundings.
Santoro-Fidel notes that excessive parental "guidance" gradually erodes a child's ability to make independent judgments, fostering strong dependence on others. She recommends allowing children to play independently in safe environments from a very young age.When a child is a few months old, provide a soft mat; as they grow slightly older, offer a 2-square-meter enclosed space covered with blankets for crawling. Additionally, when children play independently, avoid overwhelming them with too many toys—four or five are sufficient. However, remember to rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom.