How to help your child succeed at school

Teaching children to be risk-takers is important for their personal development and growth. Taking calculated risks can help children build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to overcome challenges. 

Here are some tips for parents on how to encourage and teach children to be risk-takers in a safe and responsible way:

Lead by Example: Demonstrate a willingness to take risks in your own life, whether it's trying new activities, pursuing personal goals, or facing challenges head-on. Children often learn from their parents' behaviour.

Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that your child feels safe and supported at home. Knowing they have a safe and loving home to return to can give them the confidence to explore and take risks outside of it.

Encourage Independence: Give your child opportunities to make decisions and choices on their own, even if it means making mistakes. Encourage them to think critically and learn from their experiences.

Promote Problem-Solving: Teach your child problem-solving skills. When they encounter difficulties, help them break down problems into manageable steps and explore different solutions.

Celebrate Effort and Resilience: Praise your child's efforts and determination rather than just focusing on the outcome. This reinforces the idea that taking risks and trying new things are valuable in themselves.

Support Interests and Passions: Encourage your child to pursue their interests and passions, even if they seem unconventional or challenging. This can foster a sense of purpose and motivation.

Provide Guidance, Not Control: While it's important to provide guidance and boundaries, avoid being overly controlling or protective. Allow your child to make age-appropriate choices and experience the consequences, whether positive or negative.

Expose Them to New Experiences: Introduce your child to a variety of activities and experiences. This can broaden their horizons and help them discover their interests and strengths.

Teach Risk Assessment: Help your child learn how to assess risks and make informed decisions. Discuss potential consequences and how to minimize risks when trying new things.

Encourage Perseverance: Teach your child the value of perseverance and the idea that failure is a natural part of taking risks. Emphasize that it's okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.

Provide Emotional Support: Offer emotional support and reassurance when your child faces challenges or setbacks. Let them know you are there for them, no matter the outcome.

Be Patient: Understand that every child is different, and some may naturally be more risk-averse. Be patient and allow your child to develop their own comfort level with taking risks.

Acknowledge Fear: It's normal for children to feel fear when taking risks. Acknowledge their feelings and help them understand that fear can be a healthy response, but it shouldn't always hold them back.

Remember that the goal is not to encourage reckless behavior but to foster a healthy sense of adventure, curiosity, and resilience in your child. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, you can help your child become a responsible and confident risk-taker.

Laura Leung

Teaching and Learning