It’s not unusual for children, especially little ones, to worry about new experiences. In fact, fear is a typical response to new challenges, because it makes youngsters feel vulnerable and uncertain. But that only results in missed opportunities which can persist into adulthood. With that said, you as parents should try and find ways to encourage your child to step out of their comfort zones and take risks. Here are some tips from a nursery in London.

Set Achievable Goals to Boost Self-Esteem

Help your child come up with some achievable short-term goals, because every time they reach these goals, the more confident they will feel in their abilities. It could be something as simple as keeping their bedroom tidy for a week or setting the table at dinner time. The more faith they have in their own abilities, the more comfortable they will feel with trying something new.

Focus on the Journey, Not the Result

Make sure your child knows that putting themselves out there and demonstrating willingness to try is far more important than the end result. Praise your child when you see that they are trying something new, despite feeling anxious, because this will help them understand that making the effort is what’s important. Avoid focusing on the outcomes and focus on the process instead. They might make mistakes, but there’s nothing wrong with that, as mistakes will help them learn for next time.

Challenge Pessimistic Thoughts

If you notice that your child is expressing negative thoughts or opinions, either about themselves or about a certain situation, try and challenge them. For instance, if they are worried they won’t be able to do something, remind them of all of the things that they can do and point out that there’s therefore no reason for them to doubt themselves in this instance. If they’re scared about an upcoming outing, consider your language when talking about it so that you are using positive terminology. For instance, label things as an “adventure” rather than a “challenge”. Remind them how brave they are.

Set a Good Example

Be a good role model by demonstrating to your child that trying new things isn’t as scary as it seems. For instance, next time you’re out for a meal, pick something off the menu that you’ve never had before. If you enjoy it, your child will see that sometimes taking risks pays off. If you don’t enjoy it, they will see that the consequences really aren’t that bad.