Overview

While at school, your child might find that they prefer to participate in some activities over others! This is completely normal as your child begins to navigate their preferences and interests. While this may be the case, it is important for children to try to participate in all activities alongside their classmates. Their participation, even in less preferred activities, can show that they respect their teachers and classmates and understand the value of participation.

Keep in mind that this is quite a difficult skill to master. Try to encourage your child to participate in a variety of activities and begin to introduce them to these ideas, but do not feel too pressured - everyone moves at their own unique pace!

Tips & Tricks

• Practice participating in a variety of activities at home! Discuss the idea of participating in less preferred activities with your child. You may ask: “How does it make you feel when you have to do an activity you don't like?”, or “What is the best/worst thing about doing an activity that is brand new or that you don’t enjoy as much?”

• Ask your child: “How does it feel when other people interrupt or bother you during an activity that you really love?”

• Role play with toys and stuffed animals, trying to mimic the compassionate emotions and responses to less preferred activities.

• Try integrating some self-soothing activities to encourage your child to remain calm and focused during disliked activities. Some self-soothing techniques include:

  • 5-Finger Breathing

  • Square Breathing

  • I Spy Four: Practice mindfulness and focus by thinking of four things you can see, four things you can touch, and four things you can hear.

• Encourage your child to be vocal about how they feel! By opening up and letting their teacher know they are struggling to participate in the activity, your child’s teacher will be able to better serve your child’s needs.