Getting a Child to Participate
Deborah Gilboa | July 16, 2015“I Don’t Want To!” Getting a Child to Join In
Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by staff in any type of program is getting a child to participate when that child has decided against it. Just showing up isn’t enough, of course. The purpose and impact of your program can’t be felt by a child who insists on sitting on the side for a game, lesson or activity. Even worse, that “not me” attitude can be contagious, leaving a staff member suddenly facing half a dozen kids determined to sit out.
This video below outlines five different strategies for engaging a child who doesn’t want to try. Each of the strategies focuses on a different motivational technique. All, however, have one important commonality. The better you know that camper, the faster you’ll be able to work together to make this activity or experience more appealing. Laying the groundwork from the first moments of your relationship will make you the staff person that can connect with this child. That connection will help you understand why she is resisting, and what might help him to get involved today.
If you’re struggling with a particular student or camper right now, watch this with that situation in mind. Ask yourself what you’ve already learned about this child, and which method you believe will work best today.
Deborah Gilboa, MD “Dr. G”
Respected parenting and youth development expert, Deborah Gilboa, MD, is the founder of AskDoctorG.com. Dr. G’s passion for raising kids with character makes her a popular family physician, media personality, author, and enthusiastic speaker. A parent of four sons under 14, she inspires parents with stories and actionable tools to develop crucial life skills in children ages 2-22.
A lifelong camper, Dr. G continues the tradition with her own sons while volunteering as on-site camp doctor each year. She loves the camp culture, and of course, the s’mores!