- Sproutly
- Posts
- 🌱 Facing New Things 🌱
🌱 Facing New Things 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
New experiences are a natural part of growing up—whether it’s starting a new class, trying a new food, or meeting a new friend. But for young children, “new” can often feel big and overwhelming. It’s common for kids to hesitate, resist, or feel anxious when they don’t know what to expect.
Learning to face new things with confidence is a skill that develops over time. With your support and encouragement, children can learn that trying something new doesn’t have to be scary—it can also be exciting, fun, and full of discovery. This week, we’re exploring gentle ways to help children approach new experiences with curiosity and courage.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by Alex P on Pexels
Supporting Your Child Through New Experiences
Name the Feelings
Acknowledge that new things can feel scary, exciting, or confusing. Naming feelings helps kids understand and normalize their emotions.Break It Down
Make new experiences feel more manageable by breaking them into small steps. Celebrate each step along the way.Tell a Story About It
Share a personal story about a time you did something new and how it turned out. Kids love knowing you’ve felt that way too.Preview the Experience
Talk about what will happen, what they might see or do, and who will be there. Use pictures, books, or role-play to prepare.Focus on What Stays the Same
Remind them of the constants—like bringing a favorite stuffed animal, keeping a familiar routine, or knowing you’ll be there after.
Activity of the Week
Photo by Juan Salamanca on Pexels
Switch It Up Day
Choose one day this week to try switching up a few parts of your child’s typical routine. Keep it light and fun—no pressure!
Ideas to Switch Up:
Daily Routines
Have breakfast outside or picnic-style on the floor.
Brush teeth before getting dressed instead of after.
Let your child choose the order of getting ready.
Creative Choices
Use a different art material than usual (try chalk instead of crayons).
Let your child use kitchen tools for sensory play (like muffin tins for sorting).
Learning Time
Read a new kind of book (non-fiction, poetry, or a book in a different language).
Watch a short video or read a story about a child who tries something new.
Movement & Play
Take a different walking route in the neighborhood.
Switch up roles in pretend play (you be the student, they be the teacher!).
Listen to a new style of music and dance together.
Mealtime Moments
Have dinner for breakfast or breakfast for dinner.
Let your child plan and “host” lunch with simple snacks.
Sit in a new seat at the table or eat in a different room.
Reflection Prompts (After the Activity):
Take a few minutes to talk about the experience:
What was different today?
How did it feel to do something in a new way?
Was anything tricky? What was fun?
What new thing would you like to try next time?
Bonus Tip:
Create a “Switch It Up Spinner” with categories like: food, game, routine, activity, music. Let your child spin and choose one thing to change each week!
Facing something new isn’t about being fearless—it’s about feeling unsure and trying anyway. When we help children reflect on their past successes, prepare gently for what’s ahead, and stay connected through the process, we show them they’re capable of more than they think.
This week, look for little “firsts” your child can try—and notice their bravery, no matter how small. Every new step is a chance to grow.
Cheering you on,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
New here? Join Our Newsletter
