3.5 yo and trying new things

[JayGee]

My DD has always been reluctant to try anything new, but once she's gotten past the first 20 minutes of crying, sobbing, and take-me-homes, she has a great time . Preschool ~ first month was awful at drop off, but apparently she did well after I'd been gone for 20 minutes. Movie ~ cried in my lap for 20 minutes, then LOVED it. Basketball game ~ cried in my lap for 20 minutes, then LOVED it (cheering with her brother and sister, waving big signs, etc.)

And today, our first "real" snowfall of the season and she WILL NOT go out in it. She wants to stay inside. She won't put on snowpants or boots. I know she'll love it if I can just get her out the door, but I'm just so darned tired of the 20 minutes of resistance before any new activity, place, or person can be accepted.

Is this just a personality trait? A 3 year old trait? Something she'll outgrow? Or not...

[Alyantavid]

I'd say it's personality and being 3.

Even if she does love these things, why force her? I think her stubbornness about them is partly her exerting some sort of control of the situation.

[JayGee]

Originally Posted by Alyantavid

I'd say it's personality and being 3.

Even if she does love these things, why force her? I think her stubbornness about them is partly her exerting some sort of control of the situation.

Quite honestly, because I have two other children who love to go places and do things. And if DD2 had her way, we'd stay home all day, every day, and never go anywhere. Part of life for her, as the youngest, is going to be occasionally stepping out of her comfort zone and joining the family.

[Umpqua]

Is there any reasoning with her when she gets upset about doing something? My 3-year-old DS is really adventurous and is almost always game to go wherever or do whatever. He does put up resistance to eating certain things (what a surprise) but usually will agree to try a taste of something after I reason with him for a little while. Would it help to ease her in to the idea of doing things slowly and well in advance so she'll understand she needs to at least give each thing a try?

Sorry I'm not more helpful. My younger DS has a personality like this and I won't be surprised if he does something similar when we have to attend big brother's activities, etc. So I'm interested to hear advice from others too.