What age do kids start thinking for themselves ?

[Bleughbleughbleugh12]

Just that really, what age do children start to do things without being asked or prompted? For example, when DD wakes up, she will literally wait for my instruction... what age do they actually think ah! I need to get breakfast then brush my teeth, or a more simple one, I need to put my clothes in the washing basket once I’ve taken them off, or to close the car door behind them? Am I expecting too much 🤦🏼‍♀️

My 7 year old has started in the last few weeks to occasionally take her 3 year old sister downstairs and get her chocolate breakfast and they snuggle under a duvet and watch tele while we stay in bed. It’s wonderful until the shouting starts!

She also goes off and gets herself dressed most of the time and 5/10 clean her teeth without prompting.

My 3yo tells me when it’s time to get dressed but won’t just go and do it yet herself. I might start laying out an outfit for her for the morning then she probably would get dressed when she decides too.

Other than that they have to be asked repeatedly to put rubbish in the bin, to take plates in the kitchen, to pick their clothes up etc, etc, etc.

Wow, such well trained kids.
My OHs 2 boys now 11 and 9 up until last year would stand at the side of the car waiting for someone to open the door. Always leave their clothes on the floor.
Have had little/no training in life skills. Drives me mad on a weekly basis.
My just turned 13 year old could do with a bit more training I think. Definitely needs to start sorting his and his brothers (9) breakfasts.
They already manage teeth, getting dressed, picking up after themselves.
They have been warned though that they'll be expected to do a bit more in the next month or so when their sister arrives.