There is a quote that says, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”
And it’s so true! If we want our kids to grow into well-rounded, confident adults, we need to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things.
But not every kid is open to trying new things.
Some kids might be shy, or they might be content with the things they already know and love.
That’s why, as parents, it’s our job to encourage our kids to try new things.
Here are 7 ways you can encourage your child to try new things:
1. Be a good role model
If you never try new things yourself, your kids won’t either.
So set the example for your kids and try new things yourself! Go out and explore the world, and let your kids see you doing it.
2. Tell them it’s okay to be bad at something
Because that’s how we learn! No one is born good at everything, and that’s okay.
Tell your kids that it’s okay to be bad at something the first time they try it. It’s how they learn and get better.
3. Make it fun
Being a beginner at something can be frustrating.
Trying something new can be scary!
So, try to make trying new things fun. Here are a few ways you can do it:
- Make an ‘I can’ jar where your kids can add slips of paper with things they’ve tried for the whole family to see.
- Play a game where you take turns trying new things.
- Keep an ‘I tried’ journal where your kids can write or draw about the new things they’ve tried.
4. Encourage them to take baby steps
Trying something new doesn’t have to mean going all out.
Encourage your kids to take baby steps if they’re feeling scared or hesitant.
For e.g., if they fear trying new food, start by smelling it first. If they fear going to a new playground, start by watching other kids play first.
5. Appreciate the efforts
Whenever your kids try something new, appreciate their efforts!
Don’t wait for them to get good at it. That’s not the point of trying new things.
The point is to step out of their comfort zones and explore. So, give them lots of encouragement along the way!
6. Learn to ask the right questions
Asking the right questions can make a big difference.
Instead of asking your kids ‘why’ they don’t want to try something new, ask them ‘what’ they’re afraid of.
This will help you understand their fears better and figure out how to address them.
7. Let them learn at their own pace
Not every kid is the same.
Some kids might be more open to trying new things than others. And that’s okay!
Let your kids learn and grow at their own pace. All you can do is nudge them to have the right mindset to encourage your child to try new things.
A growth mindset!
