FOSTERING SELF-RELIANCE AND INDEPENDENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: HOW EXPOSURE TO RISKY ACTIVITIES HELPS THERE

Authors

  • Anna V. Awopetu PhD, Department of Counselling Psychology, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, (BOUESTI) Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v10i12.5141

Keywords:

early childhood, self-reliance, risk-taking opportunities, choice offering

Abstract

This paper discusses the roles of exposure to risky activities in developing independence and self-reliance in preschool years. Based on the discussion, the paper makes necessary recommendations to early childhood educators. The paper concludes that by providing children with the opportunities to take risks, make choices and live with the results of their choices, adults can help children become independent, responsible, autonomous, and self-reliant.

 

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Author Biography

  • Anna V. Awopetu, PhD, Department of Counselling Psychology, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, (BOUESTI) Nigeria

    Anna Awopetu is a full-time Senior Lecturer and a researcher at the Department of Counselling Psychology in the School of Social Science Education of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, Nigeria. She is specialising in Early Childhood Education and Educational Psychology.

    ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0268-056X

References

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Little, H. (2010). Relationship between parents’ beliefs and their responses to children’s risk-taking behaviour during outdoor play. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 8 (3), 315-330.

Miller, N. B., Cowan, P. A., Cowan, C. P., Hetherington, E. M., & Clingempeel, O. (1993). Externalising in preschoolers and early adolescents: A cross-study replication of a family model. Developmental Psychology, 29(1), 3-18.

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Published

2023-12-22

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 12 (2023)

Section

Articles

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