Building Independence: Small Steps That Lead to Big Success

For many families, one of the biggest hopes is that their child will grow up to be as independent as possible. Independence looks different for every person, it might mean learning how to get dressed, preparing a simple meal, managing emotions, or even communicating needs without support. In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), we know that building independence doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it comes from consistent practice, encouragement, and celebrating the small steps that add up to big success.

Why Independence Matters

When children (or adults) learn to do things for themselves, they may gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of control over their own lives. Independence also creates opportunities for inclusion, whether at school, in the workplace, or in the community. For families, this often means reduced stress and the joy of seeing their child achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach.

Breaking It Down Into Small Steps

One of the most effective strategies in ABA and PBS is task analysis - breaking down a skill into small, teachable steps. For example, brushing teeth isn’t just one task, it’s made up of many steps like picking up the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing different areas of the mouth, rinsing, and putting everything away. By teaching one step at a time, children experience success more often, which motivates them to keep going.

The Role of Prompting and Fading

At first, your child may need extra prompting. The key is to slowly fade those prompts so that the child learns to do the task independently. For example, instead of telling your child every step of brushing teeth, you might eventually just point to the toothbrush, then fade that too. Each reduction in support is a step closer to independence.

Building Independence Into Everyday Routines

Opportunities to build independence are everywhere. Simple routines like getting dressed, setting the table, or packing a school bag are excellent starting points. The trick is to choose one skill at a time, keep expectations realistic, and provide plenty of reinforcement when your child succeeds. Even a small step, like putting on one sleeve of a shirt, is worth celebrating.

Encouragin

g Choice and Autonomy

True independence isn’t just about completing tasks, it’s also about making choices. Encourage your child to express preferences, even in small ways, like choosing between two snacks or picking which shirt to wear. These choices foster decision-making skills and show your child that their voice matters!

Celebrating the Journey

It’s easy to focus on the end goal of each skill, but every little step forward is an achievement worth recognising. Acknowledging progress may help to keep your child motivated and can remind you of how far they’ve come.

Final Thoughts

Building independence takes patience, consistency, and creativity. What feels like a small step today (zipping up a jacket, putting dishes in the sink, or asking for help) can grow into life-changing skills in the future.