When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and sometimes a struggle.
So what's a parent to do when they find that a child is floundering in a new activity? What if your son is in over his head? Or your daughter is not doing as well as either of you had hoped? What if they even fail outright?
Often, they're tempted to give up. Just to quit. And with the busy schedule facing most families, supporting that decision can be a real temptation.
But what's the lesson from that? Quitting just makes it easier to quit again later, or, worse still, can stifle the urge to tackle future challenges.
When faced with failure at a new activity, another option is to help your child to take a lesson from the experience. Before they leave a troublesome or difficult activity behind, is there something that they can learn that will help them to do better the next time?
The topic of 'my child's failures' is a tough one for some parents to look at. But here's a hint: try hard to keep them just that-your kids' failures.
If you're concerned that their performance reflects on you, you're right. It does. But the 'performance' that most adults care about is the one that has to do with your child's values and character. The child who picks herself up, dusts herself off and gets back into the game, shows a level of resiliency and confidence that is a credit to both of you.
No teacher, coach or fellow parent ever looked down on a parent whose child gave 100% effort. If your child isn't talented in sports, but tries and gives his and demonstrated good sportsmanship, you'll be regarded as a good parent.
Andrea Patten, LADC is the co-author of What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement now available on Amazon.com
For more information about the Four Foundations, or to book Andrea to speak to your group, please visit http://www.whatkidsneedtosucceed.com
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareCriticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend... Read More
You have two kids who are 14 months apart. How... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
Bath time can be fun or it can be a... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and... Read More
Do you know what these famous people have in common?Alexander... Read More
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
Researchers have estimated that 25-35% of children in the United... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
Here's some of the bad news about sedentary lifestyles:? Forty... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More
Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
MYTH: All teens have to rebel, and the teen years... Read More
Here in Kansas, where we live, the leaves are turning... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
This is the third and final article in a series... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
When a parent is deployed with the military it can... Read More
Here is a top secret to make your child genius... Read More
Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
The snow was getting heavier with each lift of the... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More
The Greatest Gifts in Life, which are always created for... Read More
Parenting |