8 Ways to Encourage Children to Step Outside their Comfort Zones
Step Outside their Comfort Zones
Exploring new horizons can be daunting for children, yet it's crucial for their growth and development. This article brings together expert opinions to offer actionable strategies that encourage young minds to embrace challenges with confidence. Discover how creating a nurturing environment and fostering a growth mindset can transform hesitation into curiosity and independence.
Model Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Allow Space for New Experiences
Foster Inquisitiveness and Independence
Provide a Supportive Environment
Foster Curiosity and Resilience
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Make New Experiences Fun and Low-Pressure
Treat New Experiences as Low-Risk Investments
Allow Space for New Experiences
The key to helping children try new things is to allow space for them to experience aspects of the activity first. For many of our children who are hesitant to participate there could be a lot of stimulation that is overwhelming. Things like new sounds, bright lights, lots of unfamiliar people, and even new smells!
When one of my boys was younger, we gave soccer a try. He was very hesitant to participate. I knew that it was quite a new experience for him so we sat on the sidelines for a few weeks - observing. A really helpful phrase parents can use is, "It's ok to watch. I bet when you see something you want to try, your body will tell you you're ready." This teaches our children to trust their instincts and to be aware of what their body may be telling them - something that is extremely important as they grow and as adults.
By the third week of soccer practice, my son stood up during one of the practice activities. He took my hand and asked that I try it with him. I did! At the end of the twelve weeks, he was participating on his own while I watched (and cheered!) from the sidelines.
Rachael FritzParenting Coach, Parenting on Mars
Read the full article here.
