Page 61 - The Intentional Parent

this,” etc.). In this circumstance, ability might be there, but influenced by learning difficulties, attentional difficulties or emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, reactions to situational stressors like conflict between the parents).
Your actions here should be more supportive and less punitive than those stated above, but your demands should not drop to zero either. We must all learn to push through frustration. Often, dealing with the frustrating aspects of tasks that require attention and performance are more important than the end result of the task itself. Here are some parenting actions that can be taken to help overcome “frustration meltdowns.”
1.Encourage your child to do a few things at a high level of proficiency as opposed to complete the entire task at a low level of proficiency.
2.Praise effort.
3.Allow time to rest and regroup.
4.If your child insists on quitting, encourage a time out to bring down the level of frustration, but do NOT let the child choose an alternative that rewards quitting.
When these actions do not lessen the stress shown by your child, it is time to seek outside help from child behavior specialists, so that a proper evaluation can take place and a remedial plan of action can be developed.
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 61