New experiences, while sometimes exciting, can be intimidating for kids. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, trying an unfamiliar food or joining a new sports team, a little hesitation is completely normal. But the initial anxiety about trying something new doesn’t have to stand in the way of your child discovering something they love. Plus, approaching new experiences is a huge part of life, and teaching them to embrace it while they’re young can help them in the future. It’s less about convincing them and more about bringing attention to the fun and enjoyment they might experience. Here are a few simple ways to get your child excited about trying new things:

Lead With Encouragement and Curiosity, Not Pressure

Framing a new experience as something to explore and discover, rather than something to succeed at, takes away much of the pressure they may feel. Instead of approaching it from a “you should try this” or “you should do this” angle, try asking something like “Would you like to see what this is like?” This small shift in language takes trying something new from feeling like pressure to feeling like an invitation to participate in or enjoy something. When curiosity is allowed to lead the way, children are usually far more willing to give it a shot.

Let Them Choose

There’s much to be said about giving your child some say in what they try, how they try it or when they try it. It fosters independence and helps build a sense of ownership. When it’s their idea, they’re often more inclined to try something they’ve never done before. The power of choice feels very different from being handed a rigid instruction, and it’s often more motivating. Plus, children tend to approach new experiences with more enthusiasm when they’re able to make decisions based on what piques their interest.

Make It Fun

For kids, there’s nothing like fun, especially when it comes to trying something new. If a new experience sounds fun, the fear that may have bubbled up usually subsides. This is your chance to turn trying new things into a game. For example, trying new food turns into a taste test challenge, learning a new skill turns into a fun experiment, and joining a new club turns into a game of how many people they can introduce themselves to. The goal is to make new experiences more approachable and playful, taking away the pressure and intimidation. 

Have Open Conversations and Acknowledge Their Effort

When encouraging your child to try new things, communication becomes essential. Start by asking questions about what they think of trying the new thing, how they feel going into it and how they feel coming out of it. Keep conversations open and supportive. It also helps to acknowledge and praise their effort. A simple “I’m proud of you for trying that” can go a long way in encouraging your child to continue embracing new experiences. Over time, they may develop a mindset that views new experiences as opportunities instead of risks or something to avoid.

Be Their New Adventure Buddy

What’s more fun than having a trusted person by your side for all of your new adventures? When encouraging your child to try new things, jump in alongside them when possible. Taste new food together or try a new activity as a team. It can be a lot more fun and comfortable if your child has someone to do it with instead of having to go solo. And this makes the instances when they do have to go solo, like joining a new sports team, much easier. Children also take cues from watching the adults around them, especially their parents. If you’re open to trying new things, your child will likely mimic that outlook.

Lake Forrest Prep is a preparatory school in Orlando that’s committed to giving students plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and explore their interests. We’re always encouraging our students to try new things and find different ways to interact with the world around them. Learn more about our Orlando preparatory school here or contact us online.