⛔️ “Are you weak?” or “I bet…”
– How weak are you to jump into that river?
– Bet you can’t touch a hot stove.
‼️Such “games” encourage a child to do dangerous things for the approval of others.
✅ Real courage is knowing how to say “no” to something that can hurt.
⛔️ “Hold Your Breath”/“Fainting Game”.
In children’s camps and schools, there are still games where children are taught to cut off their oxygen in order to experience a “high.”
‼️But the oxygen deprivation can lead to irreversible consequences – up to and including cardiac arrest.
⛔️ “Challenge or Trial”
To become part of the “cool” company, a child is asked to perform a dangerous task: steal something, run away from home, hurt himself.
✅ Teach your child that friendship should not require risk or humiliation.
A group of children agree not to notice someone, not to talk to them, to pretend that they are “invisible”.
‼️This is a harsh form of psychological pressure that can seriously affect a child’s self-esteem.
‼️Important‼️
Explain to the child that he/ she MUST NOT become part of this game and maintain ignoring. If he/ she finds himself/ herself in such a situation and does not know what to do, let him/ her tell his/ her parents – together you will find a way out.
⚡️Don’t forget!
To get your child to tell, trust and listen.
It’s important to build a trusting rapport with them. There is a lot of useful information about this, including games and exercises that strengthen the bond with the child on the blog
Friendly reminder:
❌DON’T forbid play
❌ DO NOT lecture
✅ EXPLAIN WHY
✅ DEAL WITH SITUATIONS TOGETHER
✅ HELP YOU DRAW CONCLUSIONS
🤔 What were some of the dangerous games you played as a child? Think back and tell the children. Talk through the different situations. Trust is the key to success!
With care for your children,
Anita Vayakanti,
Psychologist and Art Therapist
