Introduction
Taking part in different activities helps a child learn soft skills and explore their potential in different domains. Curiosity comes naturally to children, so being a part of new experiences always excites them. Both indoor and outdoor activities contribute significantly to a child's cognitive and physical development. However, a child may struggle to try different activities due to long school hours. Also, some children might be a bit hesitant when it comes to operating in a new environment, whether they are supposed to do something they have never done before.
This is when parents need to take control of the situation and ensure their child feels comfortable and joyful while exploring new activities.
Thoughtful Ways To Encourage Your Kid To Explore New Activities
If you are confused about how to start encouraging your kid to explore different activities without any hesitation, here are some ways to try.
Make Them Independent
Make your child the ultimate decision-maker of his/her life. You will see that as much as you give your child the ability to make their own decisions, the more your child will become independent and confident. You may start by giving them some options to choose from for a new experience. Let them decide what they would want to do. This way, your child will realize that all decisions come with a certain set of responsibilities.
The ability to make decisions will also make them more comfortable and allow them to explore the new activity more confidently. However, it is important to set some proper boundaries with children, as sometimes they may also make the wrong decision. As a parent, you must keep correcting your child wherever they are wrong.
Be a Role Model
A common way of encouraging your child to try new experiences is by being a parent who is also interested in these new activities. It is quite easy to influence your child with the activities you do as a parent, as children love to follow their parents. Always try to be motivated and learn new skills. If possible, make your child a part of your leisure activities or things you do for passion beyond your professional life.
Bring Supportive Material At Home
If you feel that your child is a bit shy and sending them directly to an activity class would push him/her too much out of their comfort zone, then don't try to rush the process. Start by simply bringing some supportive materials such as descriptive books or educational toys like board games and puzzles related to different activities at home. Let them explore these materials on their own. Provide them with some assistance if needed.
Once the child develops a basic level of curiosity, ask them if they would like to experience an activity like this with other children their age. This is the step-by-step process of acquainting him/her with a certain activity and letting them decide whether to pursue it. It may work well for children who do not easily blend in unknown environments.
Celebrate Small Achievements
Always remember that as a parent, the most important aspect of making your child do new activities is to have fun and experience something they have never done before. Hence, small achievements, such as taking part in a sports activity or painting for the first time, should be celebrated by parents.
This may boost a child's confidence as they will feel their efforts are being recognized. Parents must remember that success isn't always just about winning.
Gradual Increase In Difficulty Level
Although children are fast learners, doing too many difficult things at a time may confuse their minds. So, if you have been thinking of making your child try too many activities, starting with something basic is always recommended. You may start by enrolling them in a clay molding class where they simply play with the clay and not do something extraordinary. Let them do this for a while and then consider enrolling them in a pottery class. This way, the child doesn't feel confused or pressured.
Some Activities That Your Child Can Try
Selecting the right activity for your child can be challenging as there are too many activities to choose from. Here are some of the most common and stimulating activities that you can make your child try.
Artistic Activities
You may make your child paint, draw, engage in craft making, and many other things, including paints, colors, and other art supplies. Artistic activities promote creative thinking and allow the children to put together their innovative ideas into a tangible form.
Science Experiment
Science experiments are a great way to make your child interested in science and clear their concepts without having to make them read much theory. Some common science experiments for kids include making DIY volcanoes, arranging a small circuit, lighting a small bulb with potatoes, and more.
Cooking
Teaching your child how to cook from an early age instills a strong gastronomical sense and a penchant for cooking in them. Start by teaching your child some basic recipes such as making bread-jam, masala chickpeas, and fruit salad. Keep teaching new recipes as per your child’s skills.
Music and Dance Classes
Music and dance are great activities for children, especially those who struggle to express themselves. Practicing dance is a great way to ensure physical fitness. Learning music on the other hand is a therapeutic experience.
Sports
You may take your child to experience different sports activities so that they can find out what they like the most. Introduce varied types of sports like table tennis, squash, and equestrian sports. It's a great way to keep them physically fit and let them find a hobby they like.
Conclusion
Trying new activities is very resourceful for children. As a parent, your goal must always be to develop a sense of curiosity in your child and make them try new experiences to learn different social skills. Your mindset as a parent should not focus on winning or losing, but on enjoying the process and letting your child be himself/herself.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
