We often get anxious kids and requests from parents to accompany them on a ride. This only serves to prolong the anxiety for when the parent will actually depart – constantly looking over their shoulder for reassurance typically prevents the child from joining in with the group.
Our proposed alternative is to come along a little bit early and say hello to get acquainted – it can help to have a little bit of time around the coaches while the group is gathering to get to know them a bit, build a little bit of trust while the parent is still visible (but at a distance). If it’s still awkward as the group is ready to depart the meeting place, we would usually hang back with them and help them ride around the car park a little and then catch up with the group later – the conscious effort of riding is distracting… If they’re still not keen at that point then it’s game over for that session and would be welcome to try again another time.
We’ve found this method to be far more successful and less disruptive for the group than having a parent accompany the ride.
Our team is comprised of a wide age range – our junior coaches play a vital role in the team, particularly with the younger kids, providing an intermediate peer support role. This means that an anxious child would be offered some direct reassurance from someone closer to their own age while engaging with the group for the first time and beyond.
There is also the possibility of attending the start of kids club as an observer, to help get acquainted with the process – give us a message if you intend to do this!
