03
PRACTICE BUILDS
CONFIDENCE.
Making decisions is essentially taking risks, especially
if you're unsure about the choices. A child who
harbors strong self-doubt may begin to avoid
making any significant decisions for fear of making
the wrong choice. But, the last thing you want is for
your child to start giving away his decision-making
power to others. Begin with small, easier decisions to
help your child feel the sweetness of success.
"It's important for kids to feel successful when
going out of their comfort zone," Sosland says.
12 | F L A G L E R
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MAGAZINE
04
AVOID CRITICISM.
Naturally, decisions don't always work out in our
favor. "Empathize with (your child), but don't
criticize," Sosland says. "The key is to keep
encouraging them to learn new skills and try new
things."
If your child decides to play a sport, but then says
he doesn't like it, explain that he has to finish out
the season since he made the commitment, but that
you're proud of him for taking the risk and trying
something new.