Every child’s temperament is different, so while some toddlers may throw caution to the wind when it comes to trying something new, it should come as no surprise that others can be much more hesitant.
Anxiety around trying new things is common for toddlers, so if Baby doesn’t jump right into unfamiliar situations, you needn’t be alarmed. However, it’s natural to be concerned when this resistance regularly gets in the way of your child trying out new activities.
Since being reluctant to trying new things is often fear-based, there are a few common strategies for helping toddlers feel more comfortable dealing with changes in everyday events.
- Keep personality in mind: What worked for Baby’s older siblings, or cousins, or your BFF’s kid, may not work for their, so remember to keep their specific feelings and personality in mind when presenting new activities.
- Emphasize safety: One reason a toddler may not want to climb a play structure or come down the slide like their friends may be rooted in a worry of being unsafe, or getting hurt. You can make sure they know you’re right behind them, and will not let them fall, or even offer to hold their hand, or go first, the first time, to show them that everything will be fine.
- Give a little nudge: Sometimes, it may fall to you to encourage Baby to break out of their comfort zone a little, especially if their fears begin to interfere with day-to-day activities. Even when it’s appropriate to give them a little push towards new things, though, it’s important to stay sensitive to their needs while steering them in the direction of age-appropriate new activities.
- Offer praise when Baby tries new things: Whether you want Baby to try swimming in the pool or just a bite of a new food, you’ll want to praise steps in the right direction, no matter how small. If they dips their foot in the water, or even nibbles the edge of a sandwich, be sure to encourage that behavior by letting them know they are doing well by taking a chance on something new, and that you’re proud.
- Take it slow: Pushing a child towards something they are not physically or emotionally ready can backfire, and even if it doesn’t, it generally doesn’t lead to anyone having much fun. There’s nothing wrong with taking baby steps when it comes to trying new things, and allowing Baby to get comfortable with new experiences over time, if that’s what they seem to need.
The world is full of new experiences for toddlers – most of the experiences in it are fairly new to them, so Baby is headed towards years of new things to come. This means that figuring out the best way to introduce new experiences to Baby is a skill that you’re going to be using for years to come. If it’s tricky sometimes, just remember that your future self will thank you for what you’ve learned!
