What to Do When Your Child is Scared to Try Something New
It can be fun and exciting to try new things and embark on new adventures, but sometimes children, just like us, can feel intimidated or afraid to step outside the box. Life is all about new experiences and we should make sure our kids make the most of them. Here are some ways to help children take a chance outside their comfort zone and try something new.
Share Your Own Tales Kids may find it unbelievable that you were once young and had fears of your own. By showing them how you faced your fears head on and triumphed, you can help your children take similar steps. Now, they see you as a hero, and to know that even you experienced fears and uncertainty at one point, the kids will feel confident that they can conquer their fears as well.
Do it With Them If your child is afraid to try something on his own, don’t force it. You can help tackle his fear by doing it with him. Say he’s afraid of heights. Climb to the top by his side. Your presence and lack of fear will empower him to do the same. Seeing that you can do it will make him less afraid and willing to take a stab at it. Next time, he’ll be prepared to try to do it on his own.
Show Them a Video or Look Online Sometimes kids need to see what’s in store before trying it on their own. Today, virtually everything is available online. Look up a video of someone doing what he fears, or research the topic and read up on what will happen. This tactic works particularly well when it comes to going for a doctor’s visit or an airplane ride.
Bring a Friend Along Taking on a challenge or tackling a fear becomes teamwork when a friend becomes part of the activity. Sometimes both kids are afraid, but gain courage by doing something as a team. Neither wants to disappoint the other and kids love to show their friends that they are willing and confident. Two is stronger than one and the comradery will help them both succeed.
Discuss the Positive Outcome If your child is scared, focus on the results rather than the task. Say he is afraid to dive into the pool. Talk about the fun he’ll have swimming with friends and cooling off on a hot summer day rather than the dread of the dive itself. Soon, he’ll be so excited for the fun that he’ll forget about his trepidations.
How do you get your child to attempt something new? We’d love to hear your tips. For more info like this, please visit All My Children.
By: Melissa A. Kay
