How to become an independent Springster

You are a big girl now

Your thoughts (44)

Have you ever been called “Mummy’s pet” or “baby?

Chances are you didn’t like it.

Truth is, there is nothing wrong with being called that.

But that doesn’t mean you have to act like a baby.

Fact is many of us will always be ‘mummy’s baby’ or there will always be someone older who will call us ‘small girls’.

Our parents, aunts, uncles, guardians etc will always have these roles in our lives. No matter how big we grow.

Wanting to try new things as we grow older is very normal. Everyone feels this way. But parents and guardians worry about us doing these things when we are not ready. We need to show that they can trust us to take care of ourselves and make the right decisions.

How do we earn that trust? By showing that we are mature enough to want to make the right decisions and that we always learn from bad decisions.

That is being independent.

So how do we start showing our independence?

Help around at home

Help without being asked. Don’t wait until your mum shouts before you do your chores. Show that you can handle tasks on your own. This way they can trust you to take care of things if they’re not around.

Be smart with money

Learn to save. Don’t spend all the money you get. Talk to your parents/guardians about saving options. This way they know you are thinking of your future.

Keep your parents informed

Be open. Hiding things will make them feel like you are doing something wrong. Let them know when you are going out. Make sure you go to that place and nowhere else. Let them know they can trust your words.

Show you know what you want

Start thinking about what you want for your future. Know what you like or dislike. Don’t let opinions and actions of your friends or that boy you like make you change who you are. Show that you have a mind of your own. Make sure nothing keeps you from your dreams.

But despite all this, remember you will never be this age again. Your childhood and teenage years are a time for fun, exploring and enjoying the little things in life. Do not be so focused on being an adult that you miss out on this.

Stay connected to your parents or a trusted adult. Ask their advice. They know a lot about being responsible.

Want to read more inspiring stories like this one? Then head to our Springster Facebook page and connect with a community of girls just like you! - https://www.facebook.com/heyspringster

Share your feedback

Your thoughts

Please I Have A Boyfriend But My Parents Wont Let Me Go Out

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

jst be patience..............they will surely let u out one day

My dad doesn't allow me too.I love my boyfriend and I know he loves me too.

Hey Giftytex! Your parents are only trying to protect you. They love you so much that they don't want to see you hurt. They feel you are not safe going out. This is normal among parents. Also, you need to make them trust you and this means that you have to act right at home and at all times. We hope this helps.

Hey Springster! So many parents do not allow their children go out because they feel you are safer at home. What you need to do is to make them trust you so that when you choose to go out, they will be free to some extent. Your dad is just trying to protect you. We hope this helps

My mum entrusted d care of d whole family into my hand when she travels! It a good feeling 2 knw am the deputy mum

being independent is fun but there are times you'll need some help and you can't do it on your own.

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

My mum trust me wf d duty of takin cre of d huse nd my siblins nd itz fun bein independent

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

wat do u mean by we enjoying d little things? do u mean having boyfriends and so on...

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Unique_gurl! The article did not in anyway encourage or assume that the "little things" mean having a boyfriend. If you read the article thoroughly, you will realise that we are encoraging you on how to be more independent, trustworthy and prepare for the future as a springster. We hope this clears the air.

Am 18yrs old n have a date but m parents doesn't know about it,am not Aldo allowed going out but I do interact wit n date in phone n also sometimes dey wanna suspect who ever called m. wat must I do? just fed up

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Blossom! Your parents are only trying to protect you. They love you so much that they don't want to see you hurt. They feel you are not safe going out. This is normal among parents. Also, you need to make them trust you and this means that you have to act right at home and at all times. We hope this helps.

what did mummy always fear of there going somewhere or traveling afar

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

am a 20 years old I once date a guy of 21years in schools and wil break up for about 3years naw he as a frd which his also my frd but after dis 3year we met again and we r in love with each other but d main fact is dat am older than him and it happens my exbf and him r best frds

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Sonia! Thanks for opening up through this comment. This is a personal decision to make. We cannot tell you what to do and what not to do. You have to be very sure he is genuine and you both are comfortable with the decision you are making. We hope this helps.

Am Blessing by name a 200level student,i really want to know how i can be less dependent financially on my parents

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Blessing! You can create a source of income for yourself by either using your skills to make money or looking for a job. Please search for #money to read the many articles we have written about making money. We hope this helps.

Hi am rejoice am 15years old all my parent do is to complain

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Isabella! We will like to know what your parents are always complaining about. We look forward to a response from you. Thanks

Hello i do my own chores witout struggle BT Wen my siblings don't do theirs my mum says i shud do it.dis is always annoying

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey BenchDa! Like we said before, you should talk to your mum about this. Tell her how you feel about what she does. Keeping quiet will make things worse because you will remain bitter and angry. So please talk to her. We hope this helps

great

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Thanks big sis now I know how to act mature

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Tanx big sis nw i understand hw to prov maturity

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Springster! This article was written because of you and we are glad you love it. Feel free to share it with your friends

Big sis more happi had to learn dis at dis point of my age thank u

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Springster! This article was written because of you and we are glad you love it. Feel free to share it with your friends

I show that am independent by going to work ,go visited friends and family ,and by going to church alone

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

I really want to tank u Big Sis cox i av learn some tinz from u

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Ajoke! Awwww... We are so glad that you have learned a lot from us. This is why we are always here for you. Thanks for this amazing feedback

Hmmmmmm, I really wanna be independent but I can't get a job any where.

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey cook! We believe everyone was born with a talent. Whether is it talking, singing, cooking, writing, reading or even taking care of little children. Now to identify your talent, all you need to do is to think of the things you love to do and the things you do without stress. Once you identify these things, think of how much passion you have for them. If everything is positive, you have discovered your talent. We want to encourage you to develop it. No matter what it is, use it for good things and see how far it will take you. We hope this helps.

thank you big sis.but how can i learn how to save

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Winifriend! We understand that saving money can be difficult sometimes. The trick to saving is to save towards something (a new dress, phone, a gift for a friend etc). This way, you are not so tempted to spend the money you get. You can also make a piggy bank to save money. With this, you will not be able to get the money out until you break it. You can tell a carpenter to make it or you can buy one. If you have trust worthy friends, you can all start saving together and anyone that breaks the chain will be fined a particular amount. We hope this helps.

seriously I'm bad at saving might decide to save then change my mind

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Heypriel! We understand that saving money can be difficult sometimes. The trick to saving is to save towards something (a new dress, phone, a gift for a friend etc). This way, you are not so tempted to spend the money you get. You can also make a piggy bank to save money. With this, you will not be able to get the money out until you break it. You can tell a carpenter to make it or you can buy one. If you have trust worthy friends, you can all start saving together and anyone that breaks the chain will be fined a particular amount. We hope this helps.

Great stuff,but i need help with saving

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

I alwayz contented wit wht i ve, fucus, mindset, positive thoughtful, industrus

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

I alwayz contented wit wht i ve, fucus, mindset, positive thoughtful, industrus

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Nice talk

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

but they trust me and my mum will not let me go out

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey

nice

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

They don't trust me at all

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.