As they say, courage takes cities, but is it so important for a child to be brave in today's world? Turns out yes. Courage makes a child more self-confident and helps him face difficulties in situations that frighten him. Courage supports the inner core of an emerging child personality, which will support them later in life. Knowing that he can always rely on himself, it will be easier for the child to be persistent and independent in making important decisions. This will help a grown-up child perceive problems not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth.
My brave child: tips for parents
Getting out of your comfort zone together
To cultivate courage in a child, show how to do it by example. If you're afraid of something, tell your child about it and do it. For example, take a roller coaster ride or read a poem at a poetry evening. The child will be delighted with the courage of the parents.
Now say it's his turn to overcome his fear. Ask him what he's afraid of and do it together. For example, if a toddler is afraid to approach other children on the playground, promise that you will stand by your side as a “support team”. Leaving your comfort zone will not only help you and your child overcome fears and become bolder, but it will also bring you closer together.
Me and my success in a positive way
If you hear a child say that something won't work out for him or he won't be able to do it, explain that this is how he sets himself up for failure. Encourage him to move away from the negative scenario and focus on the specific actions he is taking and his strengths that will help him succeed in this situation. The child will be surprised when he achieves the desired result.
And if he doesn't succeed, praise him for his courage and effort and say that he will definitely do better next time.
Accepting fears
Explain to your child that everyone is afraid of something, and this is completely normal! Create an accepting environment for children where they are not afraid to share their concerns and concerns. Conscious fear no longer has power over us.
Portrait of courage
Invite your child to fantasize and draw courage. If he is not very good at drawing, you can make a collage, mold courage out of plasticine, etc. Let the child tell you why he sees courage the way he sees courage. Put the result of his work in a prominent place — let it remind the child of his ability to be resilient in the face of difficulties.
Brave personalities
Find new role models with your child. Read books and articles about famous personalities who were brave in difficult situations, discuss what helped them and how they managed not to give up. Ask your child which famous person inspires him by example.
Book inspiration
In fiction, characters constantly find themselves in difficult and sometimes critical situations, from which they almost always come out victorious.
For example, in books by contemporary British writer Frances Harding, teenage heroes often have to go through a variety of difficulties, face terrible moments and keep going no matter what.
Read to your child as many stories as possible about brave characters who bravely went to their goals and fought for their own truth. Discuss the characters' behavior, their motives, and how to overcome their fears.
A diary of courage
Encourage your child to keep a diary where he will write down all the times when he was brave and resilient in the face of trouble. Let it be just the neighbor's dog that suddenly barked at the baby — nevertheless, this is a reason to be proud of yourself.
Local superhero
Invite your child to think of what kind of superhero they could be. What are its strengths? What skills does he have at a virtuoso level? How can it help the world? Take your child's imagination to fly, and then ask him to paint his own superhero portrait. Hang it in a visible place so that the child remembers how brave he is and how much he can do.
Public speeches
Invite your child to perform at a creative evening where they can discover their talent: sing, dance, or recite a poem. Even adults are afraid to speak in front of others. The sooner a child gets used to speaking in public, the fewer problems and fears he will have in the future.
It's too hard!
Ask your child to tell you what business or idea they find too complicated. Then make a list of steps you need to take to achieve the desired result. Show your child that even a difficult task can be implemented if you believe and gradually move towards your goal.
Daredevil Club
Invite your child and friends to meet at your place once a week and take turns telling stories about when they were brave. Such an unusual pastime will strengthen their self-confidence, bring them closer and just allow them to have a good laugh =)
Would you like your child to dare to try something new? Write it down to free trial lesson at Progkids!
