Is mixing with older children, easy (or not) for your child? Some children can get worried about being around children who are bigger than them. They seem to unnerve them and worry that they may be unkind to them. They may feel threatened or intimidated by them so try and steer clear.
This can be very different from when they are with younger children. They feel more comfortable with them as younger ones often look up to the bigger children and want to play with them.
This summer your children may be going to holiday camps or clubs, and there may not be other children their age. This means they will have to get along and interact with children older than them. If this is the case, encourage them to approach the kids just as they would if they were their own age. Teach them not to be scared and to feel confident when around them.
How To Break The Ice With Older Children
Teach your child to introduce themselves, smile, and ask questions. Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they can’t be shy or they won’t want to talk to younger kids. Help them to see these are just other children they could still play with and learn from.
Some older kids enjoy playing with younger ones. Just because they are bigger, it does not mean that they won’t have anything in common with them too. Someone two years older may be interested in the same things as them and may be able to help them become better with that specific activity.
Older children aren’t unkind and, once your child starts engaging, they will realise this. In fact, many pre-teens and teenagers like to ‘look after’ younger children and take them under their wing. So don’t be afraid to sign your kids up for mixed-age Summer activities.
More Parenting Resources
If your child finds making friends difficult why not get some ideas on how to help them from my ebook on successful friendships.
Read more blogs on children and friendships
Read more blogs on children and confidence
