When Children Face New Things, Here Are 8 Ways Parents Help Reduce Their Concerns

Illustration of the way parents help reduce children's concerns (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA Children are growing up, they experience new things. Starting from getting to know their peers, starting from school, competing during sports, to learning to swimming. When they face this new thing, children and their parents certainly feel restless or worried. This is natural, because it needs to prepare yourself, measure readiness, and security. To help relieve concerns about children when facing new things, here are ways that parents need to do.

Spending time with children, ideally done every day. But when they face new challenges, try to be with them. Do the things you and your children like. Like traveling, cooking, eating, playing. The important thing is to make them laugh with you. Besides making them calmer, this method also builds a positive bond.

It is important for parents to help their children label what they think and feel. They may not have much to say. But tell the child to be open and be a good listener for them if they need to talk at any time.

For new parents, to be a good listener for children, you need to practice. This is important so you can listen to all their complaints or stories with great attention. Avoid giving advice too quickly. Let them first vent and listen calmly to what they say.

Too quick to respond, it makes the child feel squeezed. Try to understand what the children feel first. Avoid saying 'there's nothing to worry about'. Just accept their concerns and let them feel calmer.

You don't need to handle all the things that children worry about. But it's still important to keep them safe. More importantly, at a moment when the children are worried, invite them to think about how to handle it. Talk together and remind them that trying something new is good for them to learn. Don't forget, offer help according to their needs.

If possible, help the children solve the new challenges into small steps. For example routine exercises for swimming competitions or other new challenges. Let them practice step by step and celebrate every success.

Giving praise means appreciating the child's efforts. Tell them that you are proud. Besides also helping them relax so that stress and worries don't accumulate.

Let the children share about what is going well and what they look forward to. Ask about the good things they experience every day. Tell me too about the bad things they experience. Launching Kids Health, Thursday, March 7, this method also builds children's understanding that it's okay to worry. When talking about their concerns with you, focus on the beautiful moments they experience.

Sometimes, children are filled with worry. At this moment, trying to talk about it thoroughly will help calm down. You can also create a comfortable atmosphere and listen to their stories with great attention. Teach them calming breathing when they face challenges.

Those are the eighth way parents help their children when they are worried about facing new things. Because concerns may affect sleep or appetite, make sure they get them both enough. If concerns are severe enough, it's important to consult a professional or mental health expert.