There are two inclinations with little children doing things for the first time, there is the child who decides early on in the piece he hates it, before he even sees it, and therefore proves himself right in the event. Then there is the child who looks forward to something for so long that, when it is not exactly how he expected it to be, he cries.
Both of these need different preparation as a lead up, neither should be over the top. For the child who decides he won't like anything, tell him that it will be fun because ... Then tell him that he needs to have a go and then he can tell you he doesn't like it. Be a bit wise about this promise, if it is sport or something that takes a while to like, is good for him, or hard, he needs to do it anyway. For the child who gets excited about high expectations then cries, don't tell him anything unless he asks, then tell him only what you know to be true. He may still get huge ideas about what it will be like and how fun it will be, but these will not be diminished by telling him only the good amazing results of the event.
With children, warn them early if there will be anything unexpected, encourage them to have a go where possible, plan to sit and watch the first time and tell them they can't join in this week but maybe next time.
No comments:
Post a Comment