Submitted by Lisa, Kansas City  KS

How can I encourage my child to do new things?

Answered by Jacque Grillo , Director, Lone Mountain Children's Center

Each child (as each parent) brings to any situation her own personality and style, and her own tolerance for risk taking and adventure.  With a child who tends to temperamentally push the developmental envelope and who always wants to go further and faster, it becomes necessary to more carefully set the boundaries and establish the limits.  For the cautious child whose nature is to be more averse to risk and change, what is often required is gentle nudging and lots or reassurance that he can move into these new experiences, and gradually discover that he is capable of mastering this new set of challenges.