Children often find themselves in situations where they feel uncomfortable or feel awkward — maybe they’re at a friend’s house and everyone wants to watch a scary movie, or at a sleepover where they don’t know everyone. Or they are playing a game they feel like they have to join in because they are at a friend’s. At these times, it’s easy to feel out of control.
What can they do when the majority want to do one thing, and they don’t want to? They don’t want to be a party pooper. And if they feel out of it, how can they feel a part of it?
Ideas To Help Children Navigate Awkward Moments
One of the best ways to help your child is to remind them that while they can’t always change the situation, they can control how they respond. If they don’t want to take part in an activity, they can suggest something different. Or they could take a smaller role and focus on enjoying that part of the activity.
If they don’t know the crowd well at the sleepover, they could single out the person they know or like best and chat more with them. They could even team up with another child who feels a bit out of it.
They need to be positive within the situation and get the most out of it. Being negative and showing they don’t want to be there/join in won’t help. Others may leave them out because they aren’t engaging and get the wrong impression.
It’s also important to remind your child that uncomfortable situations are usually temporary. Even if something feels awkward or stressful in the moment, it will pass, and there’s often light at the end of the tunnel. After the uncomfortable or awkward situation, parents could take a moment to reflect with them on what went well and what they handled bravely to show them it was not all bad. This will help your child to see that tricky moments are chances to grow and teach them that even when life feels out of their hands, they can navigate it with calm, confidence and a positive outlook.
Uncomfortable situations cannot be avoided, but with the right tools, they can be tolerated or even enjoyed once you have strategies in place.
Does Your Child Need Extra Help? Try Life Coaching
I work with children to help them improve their self-confidence, so they can feel confident in dealing with awkward situations. Contact me to find out more.
