"Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where today we're diving into the theme of *Independence*—one of the core values at Explorers School. Join T. Kamilla and Mrs. Christal Beeko as they chat with our special guest, Ms. Carola Schmidt, a dedicated Explorers School parent and an international project manager from Berlin. Since moving to Ghana in early 2023, Carola has been leading a groundbreaking TVET project focused on solar energy at three Ghanaian institutions. In this episode, we’ll journey through the importance of independence from early childhood onward. What makes it such a vital part of Montessori education, and how does it help shape confident, resilient, and curious minds? Carola, T. Kamilla, and Christal will unpack these ideas and more, exploring how independence can be nurtured both at school and at home. Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! We’d love to hear what resonated with you. So, let’s get started on this exciting conversation!" **Topics we’ll explore:** 1. Why is independence important? 2. How is it central to the Montessori method? 3. What happens in the brain as children grow more independent? 4. How does this align with Explorers School’s approach and what families can do at home? **Guest Speaker Bio:** Carola Schmidt is a parent of a three-year-old at Explorers School. Originally from Berlin, Carola moved to Ghana in January 2023 and is currently managing a technical and vocational education project in solar energy at three Ghanaian TVET institutions. Let’s dive into the episode!" ——————- Here are some helpful articles on fostering independence in children, its benefits for long-term success, and potential downsides of overemphasizing independence. 1. **How to Support Children in Becoming Independent** This article from Harvard Health discusses ways to encourage independence by giving children opportunities to make choices, take responsibility for tasks, and even learn from small failures. These experiences help children build confidence and self-reliance, crucial skills that contribute to lifelong success. [Read more on Harvard Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu) [oai_citation:1,How to foster independence in children - Harvard Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-foster-independence-in-children-2019110518223). 2. **25 Strategies for Developing Independence** IEPMommy provides practical tips, such as encouraging children to solve problems on their own, promoting a growth mindset, and allowing age-appropriate risks. These techniques help children develop critical thinking, responsibility, and resilience. [Explore the strategies here](https://www.iepmommy.com) [oai_citation:2,How to Help Your Child Become More Independent: 25 Practical Strategies - iepmommy](https://iepmommy.com/how-to-help-your-child-become-more-independent-25-practical-strategies/). 3. **Balancing Independence and Support** Children’s Health delves into the risks of "helicopter parenting" and the importance of letting children make mistakes. While guidance is essential, allowing too much independence can lead to negative outcomes. Finding a balanced approach promotes both safety and autonomy, helping children become capable and adaptable adults. [Learn more from Children’s Health](https://www.childrens.com) [oai_citation:3,How to raise an independent child - Children's Health](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-to-raise-an-independent-child). These resources offer insights into fostering healthy independence and finding the right balance for your child’s development and future success.
