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What Is the Importance of Babies Learning to Be Independent?

Babies begin to develop independence from the moment they are born. Helping a baby to become an independent child can be both rewarding and bittersweet. All parents wants their babies to become independent, free-thinking children, but they are often shocked at how quickly the transformation happens. Babies who learn independence are able to socialize and function in the world around them with confidence, growing into children who socialize and make friends easily, separate from their parents without anxiety and develop confidence and high self-esteem. They mature into adults who are able to make confident choices, create strong social bonds and explore their world with ease and curiosity.

  1. The Basics

    • Consistent care and attention will give your baby the sense of security and independence she needs to begin exploring the world around her. Parents can build the crucial bonds of love, trust and confidence as soon as their baby is born by providing for her basic needs -- such as feeding her when she's hungry, changing her diaper when its dirty, responding to her when she is upset and crying, and talking to her, smiling at her and spending time playing with her when she is alert.

    Developing Confidence

    • Parents often let their babies cry for extended periods of time in the mistaken belief that doing so will make them more independent. Just the opposite is true: Babies whose needs are quickly met gain a sense of confidence and security, learning to trust the world around them. Later on, as toddlers and older children, those who are more confident and secure in their environments have an easier time separating from their parents and making new friends. Child psychologist Margaret Mahler believes that parents help their babies gain independence by staying close, tending to their baby's needs and reassuring their baby of comfort and safety. In turn, the babies will develop a sense of security, independence and the ability to develop bonds with other people.

    Learning to Socialize

    • Child psychologist Lev Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory holds that parents should expose their babies to a variety of social situations to increase their base of knowledge and develop their ability to interact with confidence and independence within the world around them. Loving interactions and play time with others, such as family members and friends, also increase independence by allowing babies to socialize and expand their world in a safe, loving manner.

    Understanding Separation and Return

    • Babies learn independence by understanding separation and return, gaining confidence in their understanding that although their parents may leave, they will always return. Babies who understand this concept do not panic when left, do not experience separation anxiety and develop an ability to function with confidence and security in any situation and environment. To foster an understanding of separation and return with your baby, try playing games such as "hide and seek" by hiding behind furniture and hiding toys under blankets to find together. "Peek-a-boo" is also a great separation and return game to play with your baby.

    Testing Limits

    • Encourage your baby's growing sense of self and independence by creating a safe environment for them to explore their surroundings. Instead of repeatedly saying "no" every time your baby touches things that are off-limits or are harmful, replace these objects with safe items that encourage exploration and play. By creating a positive playing environment, you build your baby's self-esteem, helping him develop confidence in exploration, and further initiating a sense of independence.

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