As they grow, our babies crawl out of the safety of their cradles and cots to explore the outside world. They’re filled with curiosity and a need to explore. As a smart parent, it is very important to encourage your child to do so since this can help in their growth and development. Most of the situations toddlers face will be new for them. As a parent you must encourage your child’s tiny adventures. New situations can help your little one develop his motor skills, social skills, confidence and self-esteem.
Why is it vital for your child to adapt to new situations?
1. How your child adapts to new experiences as a toddler potentially shapes how they will handle risks and challenges in later life.
2. You can play your part by slowly increasing your child’s exposure to the outside world and new situations.
3. It is normal for your child to experience some separation anxiety when joining a new school, or feel nervous when interacting with children or making friends. Additionally, it is very common for children to get tense when visiting a dentist or a doctor.
Why should you avoid being over-protective?
These are all first time experiences for your little one and while your maternal instincts might push you to protect and safeguard them, your children must be allowed to face new situations independently. So please:
1. Encourage them to face new challenges.
2. Let them face the problem and find a solution on their own.
3. Supervise, but don’t micromanage, as this will make your children less self-reliant and lead to low self-esteem.
4. Avoid pampering and protecting your child if he / she is too shy or nervous since this will only reinforce his / her fears. Instead, build their courage by recognising their bravery.
5. Explain to them that trying is more important than doing; making several attempts to face a new challenge is better than aiming for only a single perfect attempt.
What new experiences should you expose your child to?
To increase their adaptability, both at home and outdoors, you can:
1. Let your child help you in the kitchen with mixing and measuring and other small tasks.
2. Ask them to rearrange their toys and help keep things in order in their room.
3. Improve your child’s social skills by making them interact with children at playgrounds and parks.
PS. If your child is overwhelmed by large groups, start with smaller numbers and stay nearby so your child knows they have you as a safety net.
Did you like this blog? We’d love to hear from you. Do share some tips and tricks that you use to make your little toddler more independent.
