How to Prepare Kids for a NEW ACTIVITY

There comes a time when children will encounter a new activity. Maybe you sign them up for piano lessons. Or a tumbling class. Maybe you want them to join a soccer or baseball team to help with their social skills.

These experiences and new activities are pivotal moments in a child’s life. Never mind that they’re pretty sweet memories for parents, too. Watching your child try, practice and excel at a new activity is heartwarming. It lights up that special level of parenting pleasure you might not have experienced before. And the overall learning experiences that come with those new activities go far beyond the actual skills it takes to do the activity. Those lessons stay with kids for life.

How to present a new activity

Presentation is important. Some children can’t emotionally handle a new activity presented to them on the fly. Many children may need time to prepare. How you share a new activity with your child could make all the difference in how comfortable they are going into it.

Stay positive. Make it exciting. You might even consider doing the new activity with a friend they already know. Or at least one they’re familiar with. This makes new things feel safer for children.

Reassure them

Children look to their parents for reassurance. If you’re calm and collected, there’s a higher chance your kids will be, too! Try to be aware of their nervousness. Although you can’t predict everything, you do know your child best. Reassure them from the time you tell them about the new venture to when they step out to the field, on the court or into the building. Kids will go off of how you’re acting and feeling.

How to prepare a child for a new activity mentally:

• Make a countdown chain or mark days off a calendar. Most children like to know exactly when their new activity starts. Because time is an abstract concept for most young children, this is a great visual.

• Discuss things you’ll need to do before the activity starts. Maybe you need to buy equipment or materials. Feeling like they’re part of the preparation beforehand can help children better prepare for their new activity.

How to prepare a child for a new activity physically:

• A new activity is something physically new for your child, too. Even if they aren’t playing a sport, you can discuss things they’ll need to work on physically. For example, if they’re tumbling, talk about stretching and taking care of the body to make it strong and healthy. Talk about the new things—though unable to do now— they will be able to do with practice.

• Work to prepare your child in concrete ways. This might be purchasing new equipment. Tell them that before they can start their new activity, they need to have the right equipment, protection or supplies. Talk through how these things help them to be safe, effective and prepared.

How to prepare a child for a new activity emotionally:

• Young children often process new experiences in different and unseen ways. It’s important to take time to prepare your child for the activity. Check in with how they’re feeling. Are they scared? Excited? Unsure?

• This is a great opportunity to talk about how we all process feelings. Talk to your child about how it’s normal to feel two different things at once! Relate a time that you were nervous—or make one up! Kids can feel both excited and nervous. Or happy and shy.

New things can be scary for children and difficult to navigate for parents. We want to prepare our children the best way we can and provide them with all the right tools and emotions for doing a new activity. We know they will eventually experience new challenges with any activity, but we hope to prepare them the best way we know how in the meantime.

Kansas City Zoo

Let the Kansas City Zoo host your child’s next birthday party. We guarantee a wild time for every guest! We are currently offering birthday party options on weekends. Zoo admission and rides wristbands are available as an add-on. You are welcome to provide your own décor, food, and activities. Visit www.KansasCityZoo.org/birthdays to join us for a celebration like no other! See display ad on pg. 28.

Movies2U

Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger-than-life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 26. www.Movies2U.com

Princess at My Party

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Raya, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our Super Girl, Wonder Woman or Bat Girl parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 28. 816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Tick Tock Escape Room

At Tick Tock you’ll find exciting adventures filled with secret agents, eccentric billionaires, space travel and ancient Egyptian mysteries. Bring friends and family to experience our one-of-a-kind escape rooms. Then, you can celebrate your achievements in our party room. We design our rooms using cutting edge technology and innovative game design principles to ensure you’ll have an unforgettable experience, only available in Overland Park. Book online or call for details. See display ad on pg. 27. www.TickTockEscapeRoom.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages. More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines. Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 29. www.UrbanAirLenexa.com, www.UrbanAirOverlandPark.com