Mindful Tips to Use When Kids Don’t Want to Attend Class
Kids are not always naturally self-motivated. If your child’s mindset is not in the right place when you’re trying to get them out the door, it can be an epic struggle to get them to engage in even the most fun activities! Here are some strategies that can help you have a successful transition time when trying to get your child to class.
Be attentive to what your child is doing right before it’s time to get ready for class.
If s/he is playing or having fun with a friend, then get yourself prepared for a battle! Instead, approximately 10 to 15-minutes prior to getting ready for class, have your child participate in a chore or task that’s not as much fun. Then the idea of getting ready for class sounds like way more fun than that silly ol’ chore!
Be mindful of the emotions you’re projecting as you get your child ready for class.
Emotions are contagious! If you are stressed, rushed, or aggravated in any way, this will pass that same emotion onto your child. Take a moment to recognize your own emotions. If you’re feeling stressed or aggravated, follow the age old advice of Fake It Till You Make It! Project a positive and upbeat energy as you are getting your child ready for class. When your child catches that energy, the transition will go smoother, and your child’s positive energy and behavior will help you feel better too!
Consider the ways you are interacting with your child immediately after class.
If you are focused on what your child did wrong in class or what s/he needs to do differently, then your child may start feeling insecure and anxious about returning to class. Instead, start your interactions by noting something positive about the experience. Tell them you love watching them have fun, or you love watching them be brave, or focused, etc. Call out the good that’s over and above what they did or didn’t do “correctly.” This instills a sense of confidence in your child that’s associated with completing class, and it lets them know that you’re proud of who they are regardless of how well they are performing a specific technique.
Discuss your goals with your child’s instructors.
Whatever your goals are for your child, discuss what you are trying to accomplish with your child’s instructors. Let the instructors know about any struggles you may be having in reaching the goal, and what strategies have been working for you thus far. This way, they can stay mindful of how they can help your child before, during, and after class. It takes a village, and we are here to support you and your family’s goals!
I hope this post sheds a little bit of positive light on how you can help your child get ready for class. Sure, these tips are not rocket science, but they’re little things that make a BIG difference!
We can all get caught-up in the daily grind, and sometimes we forget that transitions during the day, like this require attentive, intentional parenting. Good luck to y’all, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Source: SKILLZ
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