Brave Try Game
Brave Try Game
A confidence-building activity that helps kids practice trying something new
Why Brave Try Game Works
Brave Try Game helps children practice courage in a safe, playful way. Instead of pushing a child to “just do it,” this activity breaks bravery into small, manageable steps.
Young children often feel nervous when trying something unfamiliar, whether it is tasting a new food, climbing a new playground step, speaking in front of others, drawing something tricky, or practicing a new self-help skill.
This game teaches children that bravery does not mean feeling fearless. It means trying a small step with support. Over time, these small brave tries help children build confidence, persistence, and trust in their own ability to handle new experiences.
What You Need
You can play with no supplies at all, but a few simple items can make each brave try feel more fun and encouraging.
Skills Built
Brave Try Game supports emotional growth by helping children practice small moments of courage with encouragement instead of pressure.
- Confidence: Children learn that small tries count as progress.
- Resilience: Kids practice staying with something that feels a little hard.
- Emotional awareness: Children notice feelings like nervous, proud, unsure, or brave.
- Growth mindset: Kids learn that trying is part of learning.
- Self-trust: Children build belief in their ability to handle new challenges.
How to Play Brave Try Game
- Choose one small brave try. Pick something gentle and realistic, like tasting one bite, saying hello, trying a puzzle piece, climbing one step, or drawing a new shape.
- Name the feeling. Say, “Sometimes new things can feel tricky or a little nervous.”
- Make it playful. Tell your child, “This is the Brave Try Game. We only need one small try.”
- Model first. Show your own tiny brave try so your child sees that trying matters more than being perfect.
- Invite, don’t force. Ask, “Would you like to try a tiny step with me?”
- Celebrate the effort. Praise the action: “You tried even though it felt new. That was brave.”
- Reflect together. Ask, “How did your brave try feel?” or “What helped you try?”
Parent Prompts for Building Courage
These prompts help children feel supported while they practice trying something new.
- “You do not have to do the whole thing. One tiny try counts.”
- “Feeling nervous and being brave can happen at the same time.”
- “I’ll try with you.”
- “What would make this feel easier?”
- “You gave it a try, and that matters.”
- “Do you want to try again, try a smaller step, or take a break?”
- “Your brave try muscles are growing.”
Easy Variations for Toddlers and Preschoolers
One-Bite Brave Try
Invite your child to smell, touch, lick, or taste a tiny bite of a new food. Keep the goal small and pressure-free.
Playground Brave Try
Choose one safe playground challenge, such as stepping onto a low balance beam, climbing one rung, or sliding with support.
Art Brave Try
Encourage your child to draw, color, cut, or build something new without worrying about the final result.
Social Brave Try
Practice a small social step, such as waving, saying hello, asking for a turn, or giving a thank-you.
Brave Try Sticker Chart
Let your child add a sticker each time they attempt something new. Focus on effort, not success.
Make It Easier or Harder
For Younger Toddlers
- Choose very small challenges that last only a few seconds.
- Let your child watch you try first.
- Use simple language like “tiny try” or “brave step.”
- Celebrate participation, even if your child only watches or touches the item.
For Older Preschoolers
- Let your child choose their own brave try from two or three options.
- Ask them to describe what felt hard and what helped.
- Invite them to try again after a short break.
- Create a weekly Brave Try list with small goals.
- Encourage them to cheer on someone else’s brave try.
Common Questions About Brave Try Game
What age is Brave Try Game best for?
Brave Try Game works well for ages 2–6. Younger toddlers may need very small steps and lots of modeling, while older preschoolers can talk more about what bravery feels like.
Should I push my child if they refuse?
No. The goal is to build confidence, not pressure. Offer a smaller step, model the action yourself, or try again another day.
What counts as a brave try?
Any small attempt counts. Watching closely, touching something new, saying one word, taking one bite, or trying for a few seconds can all be brave tries.
How long should the activity last?
Most children do best with 10–15 minutes. Stop while the activity still feels positive and encouraging.
Quick Recap
Brave Try Game is a simple social-emotional activity that helps toddlers and preschoolers practice courage, confidence, and resilience. By turning new experiences into small, supported tries, children learn that effort matters and bravery can grow one step at a time.