Every parent wants to give their children the skills they need to flourish in life.
One of the major things that can hold a child back (or an adult for that matter!), is fear.
Fear of the unknown. Fear of trying something new. Fear of failure. Fear of not fitting in……… the list goes on.
Here are 5 of the most powerful strategies we teach at Dancewise for overcoming fear. Reach out once you’ve used them with your child! I’d LOVE to hear your success stories!
1 Encourage them to try something new on a regular basis
Whether it’s a different vegetable on their dinner or watching a film together that they wouldn’t normally pick. This tiny detour out of their comfort zone gives them a taste of something else – and they realise nothing bad happened!
2 Let them know that being brave is not the same as not being scared
Educate your child that feeling fearful is totally normal – and actually bravery is doing something that scares us, in spite of the fear, not in the absence of it.
3 Teach them to master their state
Show them that by moving their body they can control their physiological state. Something as simple as doing 10 star jumps can have a profound effect on their physiology enabling them to feel a little braver.
4 Use the power of a countdown
The 5 Second Rule made famous by Mel Robbins is a simple but ridiculously effective tool for doing anything you’re not 100% keen on doing. (You can use this to get up when your alarm goes off in the morning or to put gym kit on too – bonus tip!) So the next time your child is a little fearful of doing something, count them down – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 GO!
5 What’s the worst that can happen?
Ask them that in a genuine way – then listen. It might be that there is a certain element of the thing that is making them fearful which you can help them with. For example, they might seem to be fearful of trying a new activity. Yet when you ask them what’s the worst that can happen, maybe it’s actually a fear of going through the door on their own. Then you can help them come up with a strategy for making that tiny bit easier – eg by bringing a friend with them.
Life starts at the edge of your comfort zone – have fun empowering your child to be a little braver every day!
Let me know which tips have the biggest impact on your child, I’d truly love to know.
Lots of Dancewise Love
Alison xxx