Has your child ever experienced a sense of anxiety when tackling new obstacles? I think all of us, even adults, encounter a sense of anxiety when faced with the unknown. How we handle it and teach our children to work through this complicated emotion is what matters.
Supporting our children and providing them with a positive and loving environment is one of the most encouraging ways to help children work through their emotions. By giving the kids time to determine what they are feeling and why allows them to realize these feelings are affecting their choices. Take Ramone for example, he is anxious about his first flight. Instead of pushing Ramone into something he isn’t emotionally ready for, Ramone’s mother gives him room to work through his various emotions, building his confidence and letting him set his own pace. Ramone watches as his friends soar through the sky, realizing all he might miss out on if he doesn’t conquer his fear. By the end of the story, readers have followed Ramone’s emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.
After reading Ramone, take time to speak to your children about some times in their lives when they have felt anxious. Below are a few questions to help get the conversation started.
In the story Ramone is afraid to fly, can you remember a time when you were afraid to try something new? If so, what emotions were you feeling?
Ramone’s mom gives him love and support to help him overcome his fears, has someone in your life encouraged and supported you to overcome an obstacle?
When you finally built up the courage to try, did you feel a sense of satisfaction like Ramone? Or were you feeling other emotions?
At the end of the story, Ramone realizes how much he could have missed if he didn’t take a chance. Is there something that you are scared to try but know it would be an amazing experience if you let go of your fear?