Vardy coached on cheering on kids
A TV child psychologist has offered parents some handy tips on how to offer the right encouragement and praise to help their toddlers’ development.
Sam Wass, who appeared in Channel 4’s The Secret Life of 4 and 5 Year Olds, has even been coaching Leicester City footballer and father, Jamie Vardy.
He was asked to take part in a campaign by contruction toy manufacturer Lego, where the Foxes star was filmed playing with his young son, Finley.
First steps and first words are important milestones that have parents jumping for joy, but Dr Wass reminds us that cheering toddlers on for the everyday wins – like kicking a ball or building a brick creation – can help “supercharge their capacity to further learn and develop”.
Vardy senior and junior made the ideal pairing to get the message across in the Celebrating like a Pro film, which saw them re-enacting some of the former’s iconic goalscoring celebrations.
The film also involved fellow footballer and Team GB women’s captain Stacey Stoney, and her daughter Willow.
Here are Dr Wass’s six top tips for celebrating your little one’s milestones, big or small, like a pro:
Meet on their level
“Don’t stand over them like a towering centre-back, get on their level so you can see all their achievements up close, and they can see your smile when they get it right.”
Get the tone right
“When acknowledging your child’s achievements, your tone of voice is really important. Speak in short sentences, and at higher pitch, to really land that ‘well done,’ instead.”
Be silly
“You can’t get booked for over celebrating in this world! Don’t be afraid to go with silly faces and noises – they make everyone laugh… especially little ones.”
The time is now
“Kids live in the moment, so celebrate their achievements in the moment and double it up – go for the action replay!”
Mirror their behaviour
“Children love it when you simply copy their behaviour… it boosts their confidence and turns learning into a game.”
Appreciate the effort, not just the results
“Like footballers, kids can be brilliant one day…and look out of sorts another. Be patient, they will score again!”
For more tips on becoming your child’s biggest supporter, visit the Lego Duplo website at:
lego.com/en-gb/themes/duplo