Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Growing Into Independence in Spanish
This guide focuses on describing the positive changes in your child's behavior and habits as they grow more independent. We use 'desde que' (since) to link a past starting point to a current state or ongoing improvement.
What you'll learn
- Express the starting point of a change using 'desde que'.
- Describe household habits and routines.
- Use the Preterite tense to mark the beginning of an action in a subordinate clause.
Spanish phrases for growing into independence
Desde que empezaste a ir caminando al colegio con amigos, te has vuelto más seguro de ti mismo.
Since you started walking to school with friends, you have become more confident.
'Volverse' is used for a change in personality or state.
Desde que introdujimos una tabla de tareas, todos conocen sus labores.
Since we introduced a chore chart, everyone knows their jobs.
'Labores' is a common way to refer to household chores or tasks.
Duermes mejor desde que empezaste a dejar el móvil abajo por la noche.
You sleep better since you started leaving your phone downstairs at night.
'Abajo' implies a lower floor or simply 'down there'.
Desde que te uniste al club de ajedrez, has hecho dos nuevos amigos.
Since you joined the chess club, you have made two new friends.
'Unirse' is a reflexive verb meaning to join a group.
Desde que empezaste a usar una agenda, olvidas menos plazos.
Since you began using a planner, you forget fewer deadlines.
'Agenda' is the Spanish word for a daily planner or organizer.
Tu habitación se mantiene más ordenada desde que empezaste a recoger la ropa cada tarde.
Your room stays tidier since you started putting your clothes away each evening.
'Recoger' means to pick up or put away items.
Desde que movimos tu escritorio cerca de la ventana, tienes más luz para dibujar.
Since we moved your desk near the window, you have more light for drawing.
'Cerca de' means close to or near.
Tenemos más tiempo para hablar desde que empezamos a cenar sin pantallas.
We have more time to talk since we started eating dinner without screens.
'Pantallas' refers to screens like TVs, phones, or tablets.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
desde que
since
A temporal conjunction followed by a conjugated verb.
seguro de sí mismo
confident / self-assured
Literally 'sure of oneself'.
plazo
deadline / term
Often used for school or work due dates.
ordenada
tidy / organized
Agrees in gender with 'habitación' (feminine).
Temporal Clauses with 'Desde que'
To show when a change began, use 'desde que' followed by the Preterite (Indefinido) to mark a specific point in time. The main clause often uses the Present or Present Perfect to show the result.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Desde que + [Verb in Past] | Desde que empezó... |
| Change in state | volverse + adjective | Te has vuelto más responsable. |
More examples
Desde que nadas, tienes más energía.
Since you swim, you have more energy.
Note that 'desde que' can also take the present tense if the action is habitual and ongoing.
Estás más feliz desde que sales a jugar.
You are happier since you go out to play.
Simple present in the subordinate clause implies a regular habit.