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Every parent knows the importance of structure and routine when it comes to kids. This is what helps shape their behavior and values. However, they usually neglect another integral aspect that should be a part of their childhood, and that is the need for adventure. Kids need to be able to explore and learn from their environment. It is an important part of their development. This doesn’t mean that you need to send your toddler off to snake camp in a forest or make your 10 year old climb mountains. But, exposing them to new experiences will ensure that your kids are more open minded and excited about the world they live in. Keep in mind that your child’s brain is still forming, growing and changing every day. So, if you’d like a child who isn’t afraid to take calculated risks, who does not fear the unknown and likes to try new things, make sure to nurture their adventurous spirit. Life is full of uncertainties and unexpected challenges. A child who is adventurous will have a strong and healthy brain development to face anything they come against. Here are a few ways to raise an adventurous child.
1. Create A Safe Environment For The Kids
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Exploration should start as early as possible. Parents who want their babies to explore their home safely babyproof the house as much as possible. Kids are naturally curious and by baby proofing the house, you ensure that your little one can crawl or walk just about anywhere. They can touch and feel things without accidentally sticking a pin into the electrical socket or shoving a glass ornament into their mouth. Making sure that your environment is safe for your baby means that your little ones can touch, feel and taste things that they are curious about. They can learn about what’s in their surroundings which will help them paint a better picture of the world around them.
2. Let Your Kids Explore
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Parents are scared for the safety of their kids and for good reason. After going through the hassle of keeping them alive and well when they are most vulnerable, it can be hard to let your kids explore when they seem to be determined to accidentally get themselves killed. But not everything they do is the end of the world. In fact, learning how to take risks, getting hurt and trying to engage with their surroundings in a more appropriate manner the next time are all very important lessons they won’t learn unless they have been given some free rein. Take them to kid friendly environments like a park and supervise from a distance. Allow your child to experiment and explore their surroundings. This will make them confident and unafraid of learning new things. Besides, if they really need some assistance or are in danger, you’ll be on the premise to step in and save the day.
3. Hold Back When The Kids Get Hurt
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If your child is seriously hurt and needs you to intervene and take them to the doctor right away, then please do the needful. But if they’ve skinned their knees or have a small scratch from running past a thorny bush, there’s no need to escalate the minor injury. All kids hurt themselves a little bit when they are playing and this is no big deal. It certainly isn’t reason enough for them to stop playing altogether. Kids at this point are testing their own physical boundaries, so instead of rushing to aid them and pamper them, sit back and see how they react to the pain. Encourage them to dust themselves off and keep going.
4. Accept All Types Of Adventures
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Keep in mind that what counts as big, scary and adventurous are all very subjective. It’s the stepping out of their comfort zones that really counts. Some kids find climbing on top of the jungle gym and conquering the monkey bars to be adventurous. For shy and reserved kids even making a new friend can be a daunting adventure they embark on. Picky eaters may find trying a new dish to be adventurous whereas kids who eat just about everything will look for new challenges, like trying sushi. As a parent, celebrate all the different kinds of adventures that your kids take on. Giving them the tools to be confident and face challenges with enthusiasm and openness is what really counts at the end of the day. Also don’t be afraid to slowly introduce your kids to the things that scare them. This will help them build resilience and get mentally stronger.
Raising your kids to be adventurous doesn’t have to be time consuming and expensive. It doesn’t include exotic trips and meals. Just allowing them to explore and experience their surroundings safely will do the trick!
