Hi, my DD1 is 8, nearly 9. She is a lovely girl in many ways, she is friendly, fun, has plenty of friends and lots of interests and activities. She is bright, reads a lot, and doing well at school. However.... I wish she would be more independent at home. I literally have to nag her to do everything - brush her hair, her teeth, get dressed, put her shoes on.
I just don't know what to do. I've had chats with her about how she needs to do more for herself and how it would help me and the family. I tried writing a list of what she needs to do each day, with timings, and putting it on her bedroom wall, plus a clock, but she just ignores it.
I sometimes think my 2 yr old DD2 is more independent!
I know the answer is 'stop doing things for her' but it's difficult if it's a school day and she needs to be at school on time. I have asked her why she doesn't do what she needs to do, and she says she gets distracted.
I feel that at the moment I am not doing her any favours by constantly nagging her as she is never learning to think for herself, but I am stuck for an alternative.
I am a stay-at-home mum, I am around a lot, so I really don't think this is a cry for attention. We do things just the two of us, but actually sometimes when I suggest it she says she likes doing things as a whole family.
However I do think there is some jealousy of her younger brother and sister, although unfounded I think as I try and give them each attention and encouragement.
Or maybe she is aware she is growing up and fighting against it?