Supporting Kids in Exploring New Activities: 4 Encouragement Technique
Encouraging children to discover new hobbies and passions can be a delicate balance, so we’ve gathered insights from Owners to Attorneys on this topic. From tuning into interests and managing choices to supporting kids’ independent interests, explore the diverse strategies in these four answers to help your children embrace extracurricular activities without the stress.
- Manage Choices and Discuss Expectations
- Foster Open Communication and Curiosity
- Promote Passion-Driven Exploration
- Support Kids’ Independent Interests
Manage Choices and Discuss Expectations
Encouraging kids to try new activities without overwhelming them starts with tuning into their interests and offering manageable choices.
Discuss expectations and keep their schedule light to avoid overcommitting. It’s important to emphasize that it’s okay to try an activity and stop if it’s not enjoyable. Support them enthusiastically without pressure, and join in or volunteer to make new activities less intimidating.
Always monitor their stress levels and prioritize their well-being. Foster a growth mindset, teaching that skills take time and effort, and celebrate their willingness to try, focusing on the effort rather than the outcome. This approach helps keep extracurriculars fun and stress-free.
Jennie Boone
Owner, Tiny Duck Parenting
Foster Open Communication and Curiosity
As a parent, I strive to foster an environment where my kids feel encouraged to explore their interests freely.
I believe in open communication, so I often engage in conversations with them about their passions and curiosities. By actively listening to their thoughts and ideas, I gain insight into what activities might pique their interest.
Rather than overwhelming them with a myriad of options, I present a few choices that align with their inclinations and let them decide which one resonates most.
I emphasize the importance of trying new things without the pressure of perfection, reassuring them that it’s okay to explore different activities before finding what truly resonates with them.
Andre Oentoro
CEO and Founder, Breadnbeyond
Promote Passion-Driven Exploration
It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon as your child explores a new hobby! We can help our children spread their wings by finding activities that trigger their passions. Let’s explore your options together.
It could be a coding boot camp for techies or a theater club for aspiring artists. Let your kids try things, even just for the occasion. The key is to keep it fun and avoid procrastination. Promote your discoveries, no matter how small, and who knows, they may find a long-term passion.
Faizan Khan
Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy Australia
Support Kids’ Independent Interests
I understand that the desire to explore the activity or interest has to come from within. I look for activities in which my kids independently show interest. When I see one, I tell them about different ways to develop that skill. If they continue to show interest, I support it.
They see their brothers and sisters engaged in extracurricular activities, gaining confidence, pushing themselves, and having fun along the way. They tend to want to emulate that, but on their own terms.
Luke Smith
Attorney and Founder, LawSmith PLLC
Submit Your Answer
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