Just like we want our kids to, sometimes WE must try new things, go outside of our comfort zone, or do things that are not our favorite, because it is important to our kids.

My older son saved up his own money to buy a VR headset, which he loves. This is so not my thing and not how I would choose to spend my free time. But, he loves to share his games with me, and always wants me to try them out. Sometimes he wants me to try them out right before or after dinner on a school night, which is just not going to happen! But instead we find a time that works well in our week – where I feel I have time to attend to and enjoy this interest of his - like a Sunday morning!

Recently, he wanted me to give Beat Saber a try. And, I have to say … I did not hate it! Maybe I even liked it and had fun. It is a virtual reality rhythm game where you slash incoming blocks to the beat of the music.

Here is a short clip where you can see how I did!

Why is this important?

Because, if we want kids to listen to what we have to say or be interested in the things we think are important or be open to our guidance and be present in the moment to us, it’s important that we give them that same attention, care, respect, interest and presence in return, when they want to share something that is important to them. And, if we can’t do it right when they want us to, we can plan a time that will work (modeling executive functioning skills such as time management and future planning in the process!).

And also, because it is never too late to learn, try new things, or go outside our own comfort zone. Right? It’s important to model these things too.

Here is my son playing - in case you want to see someone who is actually good at the game!

Have a great week!

Trying New Things

Non-Preferred Tasks

Axolotls & Declarative Language (Really!)