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Parents want nothing but to protect their children.
For most of their childhood, parents may only want them nestled safely in their arms, always within their sight and never too far for comfort. However, as much as this is ideal, it’s essential to remember that growth only happens when they step out of comfort zones.
Outside, they learn more substantial things that equip them for better chances at survival.
Outside, they develop crucial skills that will help them into adulthood.
This choice can be challenging for parents. It’s something that’ll be uneasy and often disagreeable. However, it’s essential for them to encourage children to step out of comfort zones and be comfortable with what’s uncomfortable and new.
We’ll get into the steps needed to motivate children to do so. But first, let’s discuss what does stepping out of comfort zone mean, and why it is so important.
Why Comfort Zone Is Dangerous
Imagine having a kid who quickly gets contented and doesn’t dare figure things out. They may lack curiosity about matters surrounding them. While this can seem normal and something not to worry about, children like this can easily lose their light growing up. They won’t have the knack of trying new things to get them excited. They may even fail to develop some sense of resiliency because of this.
The key to why parents must encourage their kids to step out of comfort zones is because this fosters their desire to explore and grow. They learn to challenge the world and their limits by embracing challenges. This will help them unlock their potential and be who they’re meant to be.
When children step out of comfort zones, they not only build their confidence but also learn more about themselves. This will help them make incremental changes that will align them to their purpose.
On the contrary, when they get too comfortable and cocoon themselves where they’re most comfortable, they limit themselves to be enclosed and unable to grow. This fosters complacency, which will only hinder and prevent personal development. In other words, it can be equivalent to staying in the same mentality regardless of any necessary changes.
Encouraging Children to Step Out of Comfort Zones
A central theme of Castle Forks book revolves around this concept – of the power children find once they step out of comfort zones and the (literal) magic they can expect to happen. The story follows a 12-year-old who experiences an extraordinary adventure the moment he veers off his routine. This isn’t to plant the idea that children can undergo similar magical adventures. Instead, it cultivates how comfort zones only lock them out of the limitless possibility that awaits.
In Castle Fork, readers get a glimpse of the journey they can go through if they step out of comfort zones. They’ll read about the intensity of triumphs they’ll possibly get to celebrate and the losses that will make them insightful more than regretful. It heartens them to be brave and put their boundaries and look at the world not with a limiting lens but one that cultures creativity and growth.
So, how can adults encourage children to step out of comfort zones and embrace challenges?
Promote Growth Mentality
One of the reasons why kids may hesitate to go beyond their comfort is fear. If they succeed, it’s an easy assumption that others will be proud of them. But what happens if they don’t?
Children may appear naïve or indifferent to other’s opinions. But they fear what people around them will say. They fear how their parents will react if they commit mistakes and fail to meet expectations. This makes them hesitant to step out or even consider challenging their current circumstances.
Parents must change the narrative.
To encourage their kids to step out of comfort zones, they must first instill the idea that it’s okay to commit mistakes. These shouldn’t be shamed and considered a waste. Instead, they should be seen as opportunities for improvement. By instilling this in children, parents encourage them to embrace challenges by equating these to stepping stones toward growth.
Encourage Curiosity
There’s no better motivation to step out of comfort zones than curiosity. Children are naturally curious, but parents often inadvertently stunt this characteristic. As grown-ups, they should encourage exploration to see what the world is made of and what their children are capable of. When they create this space, they create opportunities for children to experience and grow with the world.
Parents must validate children’s inquisitiveness. They shouldn’t just sweep questions away but engage and accompany them throughout their process of discovery. This way, parents help children build not only their confidence but also independence.
Provide Ample Support
While allowing them to step out of comfort zones will enable them to explore the world, this doesn’t mean they should do this alone. There will come a time when parents’ guidance and support will be needed.
When this arises, they should be more than willing to step in. Parents should find a healthy balance between teaching them to be independent and helping them navigate matters.
It’s essential that children are taught to embrace challenges and face them bravely. But they should also know their parents are backing them up if they fall. This healthy in-between is vital to nurturing children’s growth and self-reliance. If you’re interested in how Chris Cochrane incorporated resilience and love for learning in his book, Castle Forks, grab a copy now!
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