Be a little on the wild side and explore adventure with your child
Don't underestimate that what you expose your children to can have a fantastic impact on their intellectual and emotional growth. Read here to consider ideas and examples of how you can make a to your child’s life by being open to many ideas.
Adventures and surprises in doing varied and different things with your child is life giving and very stimulating for broader learning. Don't underestimate that what you expose your children to can have an amazing impact on their intellectual and emotional growth. Consider the following ideas and examples of how you can make a difference to your child’s life by being open to many ideas.
Fosters Learning and Curiosity:
Adventure and exploration stimulate a child's curiosity and love for learning, providing them with new knowledge and experiences.
Reason: Children become more adventurous and interested in change as you give them exposure and broad opportunities.
Example: Parents can take their child on educational trips to museums, zoos, or historical sites, encouraging them to ask questions and explore exhibits. Look at what is advertised around town and beyond.
Builds Resilience and Confidence:
Reason: Facing new challenges and unfamiliar situations helps children build resilience and self-confidence as they navigate and conquer obstacles. It’s all about exposing them to new moments in their life.
Example: Parents can enrol their child in a sports team, music lessons, or an art class, where they can develop skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
Encourages Independence:
Reason: Adventures allow children to make decisions and problem-solve independently, fostering a sense of self-reliance. Such independence builds emotional maturity and personal confidence. We want our children to feel that they can take control
Example: Parents can let their child plan a family day trip, where they research and choose the destination, create an itinerary, and lead the way.
Creates Lasting Memories:
Reason: Exploring new places and trying new activities can result in cherished family memories that bring joy for years to come. The more positive happy memories you have the greater longer term happy thoughts children have of growing up
Example: Parents can plan a family camping trip, complete with storytelling around the campfire and stargazing, creating memorable experiences.
Fosters Cultural Awareness:
Reason: Exposure to different cultures and traditions through travel can broaden a child's perspective and promote cultural understanding. In our global world today we need tolerance and understanding. The more your child is exposed to difference, the better informed that are about life.
Example: Parents can take their child on international trips or visit cultural festivals and events in their own community to embrace diversity. Check out some of the documentaries on other cultures and watch the program together.
Promotes a Sense of Wonder:
Reason: Adventure encourages children to see the world with wonder and excitement, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of the world. Surprise them by taking them to places that step away from comfort zones. Let them experience nature through touching, feeling, smelling and experiencing.
Example: Parents can take their child on nature hikes or expeditions, where they can discover the wonders of the natural world, such as unique plants, animals, and landscapes.
Be a parent who is open to difference and welcome ideas that are unique. Not everyone has to be an Indiana Jones but within your scope as a family look to what is possible and will stretch their imagination. You will enjoy this journey of discovery yourself.
Go a little on the wild side, be adventurous with your child.
-Gail J Smith