Kids Clinic: Giving your child more independence
Summary
In this episode of The Hard Shoulder, host Keira Kelly speaks with Alwyn Morin, Clinical Director at Cogniclinic, about fostering child independence. They discuss how parents should build risk-management skills through small, age-appropriate steps, from toddler choices to walking to school. The conversation covers navigating teenage social pressures, emphasizing open negotiation and establishing safety nets, such as agreed-upon exit strategies, to support trust and security as children gain autonomy.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Talkspace online therapy
Show intro and topic introduction
Guest intro and the challenge of assessing readiness
Building independence through small steps and brain development
Toddler autonomy: simple choices and safe outdoor play
Object permanence and the importance of returning
Peekaboo and early independence milestones
Walking to school and shopping: age guidelines and readiness
Personal anecdote: cycling to school while pregnant
Navigating teenage independence and negotiating boundaries
Safety nets: location sharing and the 'text X' exit strategy
Conclusion and show sign-off
Listen ad-free on Castria