"Try 3 Before Me": A Smart Way to Teach Your Kids Independence! Parenting Fatherhood

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!