The path to independence for young people

By Samuel Court

Gaining independence is a crucial milestone in any young person’s life, especially as they transition from childhood into adolescence.

This transformative stage is all about developing self-reliance and making independent choices.

Adolescents start to take responsibility for their actions, explore their personal values, and assert their individuality, setting the foundation for their adult lives.

This period often needs a delicate balance of freedom and guidance from parents and support networks.

We are committed to empowering young people aged 13 – 18 through a variety of specialised support services aimed at nurturing their growth, independence and happiness.

What makes independence such a key skill?

Independence is not just about doing things on your own; it is about gaining the confidence and capability to make decisions, manage your own life and handle challenges effectively.

For young people, particularly adolescents, developing independence is essential as it prepares them for the complexities of adult life.

It boosts their self-esteem, promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and is fundamental in helping them establish their identity and personal values.

Our top tips for boosting independence in adolescence

Encouraging independence in young people requires consistent effort and practical strategies.

Here are our top tips for parents and guardians to help their teenagers increase their independence:

• Encourage decision-making: Start with small choices, such as choosing meals or planning how to spend their weekend, and gradually increase the complexity of decisions.
• Assign responsibilities: Give them tasks that they are responsible for completing. This helps to build a sense of ownership and achievement.
• Supportive failure: Encourage them to try new things and understand that failure is a part of learning, not something to be feared.
• Promote problem-solving: Instead of offering solutions right away, encourage them to come up with ideas to solve problems they encounter.
• Encourage interests and outside activities: Raising independent teens means encouraging them to pursue interests and activities outside the home. Support them in finding hobbies that promote physical activity, teach them new skills and most importantly, let them have fun.

How do our “All About Me” plans support young people?

Our “All About Me” plans are key elements of our commitment to person-centred care.

Tailored to each young person, this plan ensures that our team understands and prioritises each individual’s needs, aspirations and preferences.

• Individualised support: By detailing personal care requirements, the plan allows us to provide the exact level of support needed, promoting independence wherever possible.
• Empowering the individual: The plan is designed to give young people a voice in their own care, ensuring that their views are respected and considered in all aspects of service delivery.
• Building relationships: Our approach promotes a collaborative environment between young people, their carers and our staff. This strengthens their support network which is crucial for developing independence.
• Mental and emotional well-being: The plan includes tailored mental health support, crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional resilience, both key to independent living.

We aim to create a supportive framework through our services, meeting the unique needs of each young person and empowering them to reach their full potential.

If you would like to know more about our Children’s Services, visit our website or get in touch today and find out how we can make a difference in your child’s life.