Trying new things is always helpful
Fear is a normal reaction, especially when faced with unfamiliar threats or situations. Children are left feeling unsure, vulnerable, helpless, and nervous as a result of these events. They remove a child’s feeling of safety and power over their environment. As a direct consequence of this, many youngsters shy away from new experiences. They would rather not put themselves in harm’s way by trying anything new, which results in lost chances and establishes a bad cycle that may continue into adulthood.
The following are some techniques and pursuits that we may engage in with our children in order to help them develop the self-assurance necessary to face new challenges, experiences, or talents.
New and repeat
Remind your children that nearly no one, not even the most talented athletes and performers in the world, is good at anything the very first time they try it out. If you try something new and don’t instantly become an expert at it, the good news is that the next time you try it, you’ll get a tiny bit better at it. And the times that follow will be much better. And this continues indefinitely.
Positive feedback for new things
The way in which we react to our children’s attempts to do new things may either set them up for success or prevent them from ever getting started in the endeavor. Instead of focusing on the end result, pay attention to the activities and efforts your children are putting out. Even if you merely describe what they’re doing, it helps them transition their job from an extrinsic activity, which is something they’re doing solely to win your approval, to an intrinsic activity, which is something they’re doing because it’s something they want to do for themselves.
Do not, under any circumstances, compliment your children on their intellect or any talents they may possess. Applaud the hard work they put in, their unwavering dedication, their forward momentum, and the tactics they used along the road. According to Dweck, this kind of praise helps develop children into individuals who are “hardy and robust.”
No pressure
Because children go into every circumstance with a lot of baggage. Concerning what they expect of themselves, what they believe other people expect of them, and how they should perform. It might seem like taking a huge risk for them to move outside of their comfort zone. If you can ease some of that burden for them, it will make attempting new things a lot less intimidating for them.
The use of humor is a tried-and-true method for lowering stress levels in any given circumstance. For instance, if you want your youngster to try something new, you may demonstrate how to do so. It is in a very silly manner and then urge him to imitate your actions. Alternately, if he is hesitant to try out a new ability, you may do it together first in a goofy manner. It is to get the unfamiliarity out of the way with a low-pressure chuckle. And then doing it once again in a serious manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring new things is beneficial for people of all ages, not just children. Make it a part of your family’s values to accept adversities as opportunities to grow and to go beyond your comfort zone.
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