Differences between autonomy and dependence

In early childhood education, there is much talk about the importance of fostering children's autonomy. Autonomy is the child's ability to be independent in daily life, that is, to be able to perform basic activities on his or her own, such as dressing, eating, maintaining personal hygiene, among others. On the other hand, dependency is the opposite, and refers to the child's inability to perform basic activities without the help of an adult.

In this session, we will deepen in the differences between autonomy and dependence, explain why it is important to promote autonomy in children and give some tips to achieve it.

Autonomy

Autonomy is a skill that should be fostered in children from an early age, since this skill not only allows them to be independent, but also helps them to develop their self-esteem, their self-confidence and self-assurance, and their ability to make decisions. It also teaches them to be responsible for their own actions and to be more organized.

Dependency

On the other hand, dependency in children can generate the feeling that they are not capable of doing anything on their own, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem and self-concept. It can also have repercussions on the relationship with adults, since children who are very dependent tend to be more demanding, which can generate stress in adults and, in turn, in children.

Therefore, fostering children's autonomy from an early age is important for their emotional, social and cognitive development. However, it is important to keep in mind that autonomy is not acquired automatically; it is necessary for adults to guide the child in his or her learning process and accompany him or her in his or her development.

Differences

Some differences between autonomy and dependence are detailed below:

• Control of emotions: autonomous children have greater control over their emotions, as they are used to making decisions and taking responsibility. On the other hand, dependent children may be more prone to disproportionate emotional reactions, as they are not used to making decisions and taking responsibility.
• Decision-making: autonomous children are more able to make decisions and solve problems on their own, as they are used to doing so. On the other hand, dependent children tend to be more indecisive and seek help from adults at all times.
• Self-confidence: autonomous children have more self-confidence, as they feel capable of doing things on their own. On the other hand, dependent children may have low self-confidence and may feel insecure when facing everyday situations.
• Responsibility: autonomous children are more responsible, as they know that their actions have consequences and are used to taking responsibility. On the