2025: The courage to parent differently so they can grow

For ten years, I've been championing the importance of organization and independence in children. While reactions are generally positive, I often hear: “You, with so many kids, you have no choice but to make them independent!” That remark, although innocent, hurts me deeply. Because independence isn't just about lightening the parental load – it's an invaluable gift we give our children for their future.

Recent articles in La Presse are sounding the alarm, and rightly so. The picture is worrying: children who can't peel a banana in Grade 1, hold a pencil properly, or tie their shoes in Grade 4. Schools having to hire staff to change the diapers of kindergarten children with no special needs. As Carl Ouellet, president of the Association québécoise du personnel de direction des écoles (Québec association of school administrators), points out: “We're noticing certain gaps in language, behaviour and life habits.”

At the same time, our schoolyards are turning into ultra-secure zones where everything is forbidden: climbing, running, squabbling, playing in the snow... This overprotection, although born of good intentions, deprives our children of essential learning. As Daniel Paquette, professor at the Université de Montréal, so aptly puts it: “We live in a society where risk-taking is zero tolerance, a society of overprotection.”

The result? A generation of anxious, not very resilient children who struggle to cope with adversity. The Canadian Paediatric Society itself now recommends encouraging risky play to improve children's physical and mental health.

As 2025 dawns, I'm throwing down a challenge: make your children's independence your priority. At Les Belles Combines, we've developed a number of tools and approaches to support you in this. Start by entrusting them with concrete responsibilities: daily chores, obligations toward their brothers and sisters, routines to follow. Don't wait for them to be “ready” – they become ready by doing.

Involve them actively in family organization. Let them check the family schedule, plan meals, take part in the decisions that affect them. Do things in front of them rather than waiting until they're in bed – they need to see the real work behind running a household. That's how they'll develop a deep understanding of their role in the family ecosystem.

Resist the urge to entertain them constantly. Make room for creative boredom, and let your home become a place of exploration where they can use their imagination. Yes, that sometimes means more mess, but that's the price of real learning. And above all, let them do things on their own, even if it's imperfect, even if they fail. Your role isn't to find solutions for them, but to support them in their learning.

After 10 years at the helm of Les Belles Combines, I can say that every challenge has shaped who I am today. The sleepless nights doubting my decisions, the failures that made me grow, the fears that pushed me to surpass myself, the sometimes painful confrontation with my opinions and preconceived ideas – all of it built me. I've been through difficult times, both as a mother and as an entrepreneur, but every obstacle overcome has made me stronger, more confident, better able to take on my responsibilities.

It's fascinating to see how we admire life paths strewn with obstacles, how we value those who built themselves through hardship, and yet... we hesitate to let our own children face their own challenges. I built myself exactly the way our children need to build themselves: through effort, failure, doubt, and yes, sometimes hardship. Let's not take away these precious opportunities to grow, these moments that, although sometimes uncomfortable, forge their character and resilience.

The arrival of Octave marks an exciting new chapter in our story, and I feel more motivated than ever to continue this mission that is so close to my heart. Because beyond the organization tools, the practical tips and our community of engaged parents, Les Belles Combines is above all a big family growing together. Your trust and your successes are my greatest professional joy, and I can't wait to keep supporting you, one family at a time, toward more independence and joy in everyday life. Together, let's give our children what life gave me: the chance to build themselves through challenges.