"Try 3 Before Me": A Smart Way to Teach Your Kids Independence! by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan

Parents are so proud as they watch babies and toddlers gain new skills so quickly. But this parent gets tired when her capable preschooler and school-ager whine "help me" for tasks they can do themselves. I used to jump in – but that didn't teach anything. And it's not lack of skill, it's laziness.

Our house rule, "Try Three Before Me," reminds them to give any tough task a try three times before asking for help. They usually figure it out and get big hugs and high-fives from a proud (and relieved) Mom and Dad!