How to encourage your child to try new things

If your little one is having trouble trying something new, know that he's not the only one! Trying new things can be challenging for a variety of reasons. For example, children may be too tired or upset to put forth maximum effort in a new activity. Or they may worry that they won't be able to accomplish what they set out to do on the first try. Gifted children are used to being successful, so they may feel demotivated when faced with a new task.

Every parent wants their child to push their boundaries and explore the world around them, as this is an important step in personality development and self-confidence. In this article, we'll share some tips and exercises to help encourage your little one to try new things and explore through art and curiosity.

Here are five approaches you can use to support your child when trying something new:

1. Remove obstacles

When your little one expresses a desire to try a new activity, it's important to remove obstacles that might stand in their way and support them in their quest for exploration and discovery. Here's what you can do:

• Ask open-ended questions and expect varied answers.
• Talk calmly about a new challenge.
• Encourage him to try the activity, even if he doesn't like it at first. But don't force him.

Listen carefully and understand your child's motivation. What drives him to try new things? What attracts him to that activity or experience? By understanding his motivation, you will be able to more easily identify obstacles and know how to support him on this journey. 

Remind him of all the "first times" he's had in the past that he may not have liked before trying them. You can say, “Do you remember the first time you tried to eat figs? You didn't think you'd like them. Now, they are your favorite snacks! Sometimes it pays to try something new.”

By sending a message of support and confidence you encourage your child to try new things without fear of failure. Help him understand that failure is a normal part of the learning process and that through repeated attempts and perseverance, he can overcome any obstacle.

2. Explore through art

Art provides a wonderful way to encourage your child to try new things and express their creativity. Whether it's drawing, painting, sculpting or dancing, give your child access to different forms of artistic expression.

Here are four strategies that can encourage your child to try new things:

• Guide him to explore different approaches and try different things. Be open and receptive to his ideas and encourage him to find innovative solutions to the problems or challenges he faces.
• Appreciate his creativity. When your child comes up with original and unexpected ideas, be sure to praise and show appreciation for their creative thinking. This appreciation will encourage him to continue his exploration and develop his creative abilities.
• Help him be flexible. If one approach doesn't work the first time, support him to consider a new approach, understand that it's normal to face such situations, and encourage him to be open to trying new ideas or adapting his plans. Flexibility will allow him to learn and grow in the face of challenges.
• Do art-based activities together. Art is about exploration and free expression. Give your child access to different art materials, such as colored pencils, watercolors or plasticine, and guide them to create freely. Art offers open opportunities for exploration and discovery, stimulating creativity.

Exercise: Organize a family painting or drawing session. Be open about this activity and support your little one to follow their artistic instincts. It is not the end result that matters, but the creative process itself. 

3. Be spontaneous

Sometimes the best experiences and discoveries come when we are spontaneous and let ourselves be carried away by curiosity and adventure. Be open and flexible in planning activities with your little one and let yourself go with the flow of the moment. There are situations when unscheduled activities become extremely addictive, creating unique opportunities to test new things. 

When your child wants to try something new, be willing to break the routine and adopt a flexible attitude and take the time to support him in what he wants. 

Exercise: Choose a day to take a spontaneous trip to nature or to a new place in your city. Let your child explore and discover new things during this unexpected adventure.

4. Use the right questions

Asking the right questions can be a great way to encourage your child to explore new things and develop critical thinking. Instead of giving direct answers, encourage him to think independently and search for answers through relevant questions.

You can ask him questions like, "Is there anything that was difficult or a little scary for you that is now much easier?" Remind your child that all the skills he has now were at one time new. He was not born with them; he had to learn and practice.

Listen to your child's concerns and help them talk about these fears and face them, avoid lecturing when you talk. 

Exercise: When your child is interested in a certain topic, ask him questions that help him develop his critical thinking. For example, instead of telling him directly what is happening, ask him what he thinks will happen and why.

5. Adventure Journal

If your child can see new challenges as exciting, not intimidating, they will have the courage to pursue their full potential. Help him change his perspective by keeping a journal of his adventures. In the notebook, your little one will detail all the adventures you've had as a result of trying new things.

Record all the times your child has been brave in trying different activities, and update the journal regularly. If possible, you can add photos, drawings or small souvenirs. Also include details about how well your child did or how much fun it was for you and your child to try this new activity.

The next time your child is afraid to try something new, pull out the adventure journal and talk about the great times you had when they were brave enough to venture into new activities.

Through your constant support, exploring through art, being spontaneous and using the right questions, you will help your child develop curiosity and self-confidence. Be a guide and supporter for him in this process of discovery and help him enjoy the new and exciting experiences that will open his horizons.