For many of us, the goal of parenting is to raise responsible, independent, happy adults—but that is easier said than done when you find yourself in the midst of dealing with tantrums, homework, and chores.  We loved these tips from Mommy Nearest about how to raise independent kids:

1. Teach them how to save (and spend) money
   Purchase a piggy bank and teach your kids from an early age how to handle their money. Guide and encourage them to save for something they really want, but ultimately, let them decide.
2. Let them get ready for school themselves
   Letting your child get themselves ready for school will teach them the importance of time management and responsibility. This can mean packing their own lunch, setting their clothes out, filling their water bottle, waking up to their own alarm and more.
3. Encourage them to do tasks alone
   Give your child some freedom when you feel they are ready. Arm them with tools to handle different situations, too, like how to handle talking (or not talking) to strangers and how to cross a busy street.
4. Teach them how to take care of others
   Let your child care for a pet (you can start small and buy them a goldfish!), or, if your child is older, allow them to help care for a younger sibling.
5. Allow your child to work out conflicts themselves
   Teaching them how to appropriately work through conflict themselves will teach them how to appropriately deal with their emotions, talk through their feelings and, ultimately, move forward—all very important life-long lessons.

Get all 10 of the Mommy Nearest tips by clicking here.