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A new experience can be anything from a first trip to the dentist, a day at school, or even a play-date at someone’s house. Our kiddos experience new things all the time! What I’ve learned is that while some new experiences may be no big deal for a little one; others can be a big deal and often leave both you and your kids overwhelmed by how it went! So let’s go through some steps that we can help guide and navigate through new experiences of all types! Here are 6 Steps To Help Encourage Your Kids Through New Experiences.

Step #1 Preparing: The First of the 6 Steps To Encourage Your Kids Through New Experiences

I remember it as yesterday, my newly turned 3 year old had his first early preschool orientation. I was all set and had all our records ready, noted down the time, selected our outfits, and made sure we were fed and ready to go. But there was one thing missing—I forgot to have a proper conversation with my 3-year-old son about it! As my 3 year old was asking where we were going to, I quickly realized I had not prepared him for this.

So I simply explained that we were going to a school orientation to check it out and play, and that I would be with him. I thought that was enough, but it turns out he needed more than that. I’ll spare you all the details, but we both left in tears, and I left feeling like my son would never be able to go to preschool.

From countless other new experiences like that, I began to learn that there are times when you can have a simple car conversation and have your kids ready for the new experience—like a birthday party at a play-place. While there are other times—such as a first school orientation—when you should take the time to talk through it beforehand, not just minutes beforehand.

Overall, I’ve learned it’s important to prepare your little one for a new experience. It helps them feel more comfortable and confident in unfamiliar situations. By knowing what to expect, they can mentally prepare themselves, which can reduce anxiety and fear. Preparation also allows you to address any concerns or questions they may have beforehand, fostering open communication and trust. In the end, getting your child ready for new experiences lays the groundwork for their success and makes it easier for them to handle the unfamiliar.

Step #2 Encourage Curiosity

The second step for the 6 steps to help encourage your kids through new experiences is encouraging curiosity! When we encourage curiosity, we’re basically helping them fall in love with learning and exploring. When they’re curious, they’re more likely to ask questions and really get into whatever’s happening around them. It’s a way for them to even feel a sense of control of the new experience that is about to happen.

We often have these great curious conversations during dinner. It’s a distraction-free time to enjoy our meal and discuss our day. If a new experience is coming up, my husband and I talk to our son about it to see how he feels. Dinner time might not work for everyone, you can pick a time that works best for you are your family! What matters is giving them the opportunity to ask questions, share worries, and express feelings about what’s ahead.

Step #3 Establish Reassurance

Once you allowed for time to have questions asked and feelings heard, then its the time for to establish the reassurance! Giving our little ones reassurance in new experiences is so important. When they’re trying something new, they might feel scared or unsure, and that’s where we come in. We give them confidence by assuring them of our support, safety, and ability to handle challenges.

Also, share an experience when you’ve conquered something new that seemed scary to you! By connecting with your little one in this way, you’re building understanding and trust. You’re also showing them by example that they, too, can overcome their fears!

Lastly, reassure your little one that they’ll have the support they need. For instance, when my son goes to the dentist for the first time next week, he’ll know I’ll be right there with him. He’ll understand that I won’t leave his side and that we’re in it together. Similarly, if it’s their first day of school and they’re feeling sad and scared about you leaving, assure them that their teacher is there for them and that they’ll have a lot of fun together.

Biblical Reassurance

In our home, we talk a lot about how emotions are blessings that are given by God. What an amazing thing to be able to feel and experience all emotions that life gives us. It is apart of being human and being alive! Sometimes we can feel fear and anxiety about a particular experience and those feelings can feel so strong that they feel like we cannot do what we need to do. That’s when we teach scripture to our kids to give them reassurance and confidence from God! We memorize 2 Timothy 1:7- “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”. With that scripture, we can now have the gift of self-control to overcome our fear and know we can do things that seem scary. You can look up other scriptures to help encourage your kids as well!

Step #4 Remaining Positive

In all the steps of encouraging your kids through new experiences, it is important to have a positive attitude! It helps create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child. When they sense you being positive, they are more likely to feel confident and excited about the new experience. Your upbeat attitude can ease any anxiety or fear they might feel, making the transition easier for them.

Even if your little one is feeling overwhelmed by this new experience, remember, you set the tone. If you remain positive, engage with their curiosity in a positive manner, and offer reassurance, then your kids will have a better time with the new experience.

Step #5 Resources

When in doubt, get the book out! I’m a huge fan of books that explain things for kids! I believe they’re incredibly beneficial for all little ones. And you know what? There’s practically a book on every topic out there! Just do a quick search on Google, and you’ll find what you need! Here are great examples of books that would be great about going to the dentist!

Also, if you need more support or repetition in getting your kids ready for the new experience, you can look up songs or shows that go with the new experience. Just do a quick search on YouTube and I am certain you will find something that will help encourage your kids!

Step #6 Stay Calm.

Okay, let’s say you’ve followed all the steps and you feel totally ready and prepared. You’ve done everything you can, but when the day arrives, the new experience still doesn’t go well. What should you do?

Stay calm and positive.Your kids look to you for guidance and reassurance. Seeing you stay calm in challenging situations helps them learn to manage their own emotions effectively.

Remaining calm enables you to help in the moment by having a constructive conversation with your child about what happened and how to move forward positively. If discussing the experience isn’t possible and you need to leave early, you can do so confidently. And then later, when you’re at home playing, relaxing, or having dinner, take some time to talk about what happened and how your child felt. Discuss ways they can approach the situation differently next time. Reassure them that you’re on their side, acknowledging that new experiences can be tough at first. Encourage them by saying that it’s okay to try again and let them know you believe they’ll do better the second time around!

Final Thoughts.

These 6 steps to help encourage your Kids through new experiences are not a one and done check mark. I’ve discovered that when you consistently engage in these steps throughout the week before a new experience, things tend to go more smoothly. I also like to explore other creative ways of discussing upcoming experiences, such as role-playing with stuffed animals or action figures. Whatever your child enjoys, you can use it as an opportunity to talk through upcoming experiences with them.

I hope this has give you steps to take to encourage your kids through new experiences in a healthy and effective way!

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Hugs, Mama, You are doing a great job!

Cassie