Partner in Parenting: Building Independence Through Food
Partner in Parenting: Building Independence Through Food
Are you looking for another way to grow your child’s independence?
This month’s Partner in Parenting challenge is all about food — from choosing snacks to helping make dinner — and how these small steps can build big confidence.
Through our research on raising independent, confident kids, we’ve found that the more children can take ownership of something, make decisions, and contribute meaningfully, the more they develop a sense of accomplishment and capability. That confidence grows in every area of life.
For Younger Kids (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
You can start small by letting them choose what goes into their lunch. Offer healthy options — for example, “Do you want an apple or an orange?” — and make sure they can open everything themselves.
Practice at home with Go-Gurts, applesauce pouches, Capri Suns, and other lunch items so they feel capable and independent in the lunchroom.
Bring them to the grocery store and let them pick a fruit or veggie from the produce aisle to include in their lunch.
For Elementary Kids (3rd–5th Grade)
Continue letting them choose lunch items, but now give them more responsibility:
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Help make the family grocery list.
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Assist in making meals by pouring ingredients, stirring, or suggesting menu ideas like tacos for dinner.
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Begin to understand basic meal preparation while working alongside you.
For Older Kids (Middle School and Up)
Now it’s time for bigger challenges. Send them on “quests” through the grocery store to find specific items. Encourage them to navigate the aisles, compare products, and make selections.
You can also allow them to take on entire meal prep (with supervision), giving them space to make mistakes and learn from them — like the time my daughter made homemade mac and cheese but forgot to cook the pasta first!
Why It Matters
Each of these steps helps children develop:
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Problem-solving skills — figuring things out when mistakes happen.
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Confidence — knowing they can handle age-appropriate tasks.
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Independence — becoming more self-reliant in everyday situations.
They’ll also be more willing to help others, like assisting a classmate who can’t open their juice pouch.
This month’s Partner in Parenting worksheet is all about food. You can pick one up at the front desk — look for the one with purple and pink in the corner. And if you want to revisit any of our past challenges, we have extra copies available.
Ready to Build Your Child’s Confidence and Independence?
At True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, IL, we help kids grow into strong, independent, and confident leaders — both in and out of the dojo.
📍 True Balance Karate
406 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
📞 Call us at 630-663-2000
🌐 Get started with 3 classes for just $19.99!
Let’s raise black belts in life — not just in class.
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon. We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life. Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment. Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to old CVS) Check out our Facebook!