General Methods

1. Praise. Reinforce your children's self-image and individuality and build their confidence -- that is required for self-reliance. Like flowers under rain and sunshine, children blossom and bloom under recognition and praise. "Catch them doing something good" and when you do, give effusive praise! When they make mistakes or fall short, help them accept responsibility for it and then praise that acceptance to the point that their pride in their self-reliance outshines their concern over the shortcoming.

2. Use yourself as the model and example. Show your children that you "value this value" and that you work for it. Take every opportunity to show your children how you are trying to improve. Talk about the things you think you're good at and working to be better at.

Show pleasure in things you do well. Also, be obvious about taking the blame for mistakes you make. Say, "You know, that was my fault. Here's what I could have done differently. . . ."

Let your children see that you can accept responsibility and blame and let them see that you take pride in who you are and that you are working to be better.

Sample Method for Elementary Age: Consult Rather Than Manage

Put yourself in a role that maximizes your children's development of self-reliance and self-knowledge. Try not to take initiative away from your child. Suggest rather than command wherever possible. Ask if he needs help rather than forcing it on him. Try to notice what he likes and where his natural gifts and abilities lie rather than trying to decide what he will do and what he should be good at.

When he asks you to do his homework, say no. But tell him you'll check it after he's done and tell him if it's right and help him on the parts he's tried to do but still doesn't understand.

As children are old enough to understand the terms, tell them that you want to be their consultant and not their manager. Explain that they are the ones who have to decide what they will do and how well they will do it and that you want to help but not force. (Be sure they can separate this consulting help and guidance that relate to their choices from the laws and absolutes that govern their behavior.)