Independence

I have spoken before about whether it is ok to leave children on their own, for how long and at what age.

I think I have been leaving my daughter for periods alone for longer than many people think suitable. She is now 12.  I went for a walk in the fields with the dogs and came home to this.

I knew she was planning on baking and as I left I was still leaving instructions on oven gloves and fire drill ....

but I think being left to just get on with it did her good.  She has a tendency to give up easily and expect me to step in and finish off for her.  Without me there she got on with it and cleaned up after herself.

I was very impressed.

She was so pleased with herself, it'll give her a big boost of confidence in her own abilities and capability.