The Risky Business of Childhood
Feb 25, 2024“As you take more risks you see opportunities more easily.” - Ben Brown
Be an encourager.
Stretching out of our comfort zone can be one of the most liberating and frightening experiences all in one. Because when we stretch outside our comfort zone we experience vulnerability, uncertainty and fear. All these big emotions can prevent us (and children) from experiencing life fully.
Children are learning every single day how to be in the world. How to tie their shoes, how to crawl, talk, walk and be in the world. Millions of life-skills over a lifetime. As parents and educators we are their guiding light to encourage, motivate and nurture their growth. One way to have a positive impact on a child’s ability to stretch outside their comfort zone to grow confidence and genuine self-esteem is to encourage children to ‘have a go’ and allow them the experiences of stretching, failing, bouncing back, persisting, improving, evolving and gaining mastery over the things that matter to them.
For Parents
Use ‘Encouraging words” also known as Mindset Talk within my Kids in Harmony Training and Development workshops, to be able to not reflex into saving your child from taking reasonable risks. If they are on the playground and climbing up the ladder encourage them to have a go first and spot check them for safety. “Mumma’s here, I have you if you fall, trust yourself to have a go first, it’s one foot in front of the other.” This small act of bravery fires up the brain to be able to be accessed anytime as they age and they build the muscle of self-confidence to be able to take reasonable risks to reach their goals.
For Educators
Talk to the children about their brain and how neurons that fire together stay together. Look for u-tubes, books, posters or an illustration from a book that can help them understand mindset and how stretching outside their comfort zone is where their potential and future successful self, lives.
When a child knows how their brain works, it helps them to not personalise their struggles but helps them to understand that learning struggles help them improve and grow!
Kerry Spina
Kids in Harmony
Wellbeing Educator
Behaviour Support Coach
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