03-30-2022
Prevent Setbacks From Derailing Your Child
Setbacks can cause even the most positive kids to doubt themselves. Their self-esteem plummets because of a bad grade. Or they compare themselves to others and see themselves coming up short.
To help your child overcome setbacks and feel more positive:
- Break down difficult tasks into smaller, less daunting steps your child can master. Your student will learn that one success can lead to another.
- Teach problem-solving skills, like brainstorming and evaluating possible solutions. Then let your child make some choices.
- Criticize actions, not your child. Say, "You didn't pick up your dirty clothes." Not, "You're lazy and messy." This tells your child there is a better choice to make, without implying that there is something wrong with your child's character.
- Role-play worries away. Let your child practice doing and saying challenging things until it feels more comfortable.
- Stifle negative comments about yourself. If you burn a cake, say, "Oops. Next time I will pay more attention. I guess we'll have ice cream tonight!" Not, "I'm so dumb. I can never do anything right."
Brought to you by:
Family and School Partnerships
Fairfax County Public Schools
[School Success Ideas for Families]
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