Overly Dependent 3 Year Old

[mama915]

Any advise on how to get my 3 year old to want to do things himself? I know part of the problem is me (I tended to "baby" him a bit more than I should) but now that I have another little one, it's too over whelming to help him with everything and take care of her too. I know his new sister has placed enough stress on him so I would like this to be as easy on him as I can. Any ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[catmom]

I can't offer any first-hand advice, but I have been doing some reading on the Montessori method, which has a major emphasis on developing independence and self-motivation. I was going to get "Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-School Years" out of the library (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0452279097/102-7731047-5719310?v=glance) and see what she has to say. Might be worth a look!

[mama915]

Thanks! Looks like it's just what I need! It's hard because he won't even try doing things like dressing/undressing himself or going to get a book from his room that he wants me to read. I tried making a game out of it last night before he got in the tub. I said "let's see how fast you can get undressed" and he always comes back with "It's mommy's turn" even if I try to tell him it's his turn. I guess I'll just keep trying and see if that book has any good ideas.