03 PRACTICE BUILDS CONFIDENCE.
04 AVOID CRITICISM.
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.
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.
12 | V O L U S I A
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