As children grow, there reaches a time when they need to learn doing basic chores on their own. Teaching kids to do these chores effectively helps them develop cognitive knowledge of tackling such issues is important for their growth and independence. This can be done through a number of ways.
Select appropriate prompts. While teaching a child to eat with a spoon, for example, the teacher can move from full physical assistance to assisting the child only when moving the spoon directly into his mouth. You may need to use hand-over-hand assistance, but this support needs to be faded as the child becomes more independent.
Learning, rather than time, should be the focus. The ultimate goal is for self-help skills to be performed independently, however, it may take longer for a child with a disability to master these skills. Persistence is the key to success!
Establish a routine. Routines pay a critical role in the formation of self-help skills. For example, putting on a jacket before going outside to play is a self-help skill that is routinely done prior to outdoor play. Brushing teeth after lunch is another self-help skill that is part of the daily schedule.
Expect positive outcomes. Sometimes teachers do not attempt to teach self-help skills to children with cognitive disabilities because they have low expectations. If educators expect children to succeed, there is a higher probability that they will.
Sourced From: http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=676
As children grow, there is need for them to learn on how to become more self-reliant. Starting by doing simple duties such as feeding and clothing themselves, kids can learn to be doing the very simple chores on their own. Giving them directions and assisting them through this important stage of growth comes in handy.
Independent dressing and grooming. Encourage children to dress and groom by themselves; just provide minimal assistance. Begin with older infants and toddlers by encouraging them to help pull socks on and off, pull up pants after diapering and help put their arms through sleeves. As children get older, encourage them to dress themselves but help with challenging steps such as zipping and buttoning.
Helping with daily chores like table setting and picking up toys. Encourage children to help with clean-up early on. Give toddlers responsibility for placing napkins or utensils on the table. Encourage children to begin clearing their own plates when they are old enough to carry them without dropping them. When children are involved in regular chores starting before the age of 4, they tend to be more independent in early adulthood than children without the experience of helping out.
Hygiene and toileting . Look for signs of readiness for toileting. Encourage children learning to use the toilet to climb on and off the toilet seat, pull clothing up and down, and wash their hands independently. Also teach children how to brush their teeth after lunch and snacks. Be ready to provide support and help if they need it.
Sourced From: http://articles.extension.org/pages/26436/ways-to-encourage-self-help-skills-in-children
Self-help skills can be important not only to doing regular chores, but help by far in fighting some of the difficult conditions people find themselves in time and again. These can be in situations like dealing with depression, which many people have to overcome sometime in their lives. There are some basic self-help techniques that can be used in fighting this problem.
Exercise Regularly:
It’s easier said than done. Exercising while being depressed may be the last resort for most people suffering from the condition. Various studies have shown significant benefits of exercising regularly. It can be as useful as any antidepressant medication. The fatigue, depressed feelings will eventually reduce and the energy levels will be elevated as well.
Take Real Good Care of Yourself:
Taking self-care is extremely important for overcoming depression. This often involves leading a healthy lifestyle by managing the stresses and following a healthy habit as well as be socially active.
Aim to get a sound sleep. Sleep for at least eight hours a day as this can help you in maintaining your mood in a positive manner. Design a sleep schedule to adopt a healthy sleeping hour.
Confront Your Negative Mindset:
Depression often brings on the negative aspects and you might think low of yourself, the situations that you face and the expectations as well. This loop can be easily broken, by maintaining a positive attitude towards life and laying back all the negative thoughts. This is the right way to replace the negative thoughts with the ones that are more balanced.
Sourced From: http://www.epainassist.com/mental-health/5-self-help-strategies-for-handling-depression