How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
This is his ABC notebook after one of those moods this morning. He decided he wanted to add a bit more color to his butterfly's wing and accidentally colored outside of the lines. His unna told him he accidentally colored outside of the lines and he lost it. He broke his crayon, ripped his paper, and started to cry. It took me about twenty minutes to calm him down and help him try again.When he works hard and finally understand or completes the task at hand, he's beyond happy. It means so much to him when he succeeds. The problem is that he's easily discouraged because he has to work harder than his brother. He wants to be just like his unna (big brother) and doesn't understand why it doesn't happen in an instant for him.As a homeschool mom, I want to find the best way to teach him. I want to find a way to prevent him from getting discouraged, but it's hard. It's not as easy as I thought it would be, but we've found a few things that help.
How To Encourage An Easily Discouraged Child
Listen
Take the time to find out why they're upset. It may be different than what you think. Ask them why they're sad or angry and just listen. Figure out exactly what it is so you can find out how you can help them. As you listen, they can see how much you care and may start to open up more.
Take A Deep Breath And Try Again
This has been the golden rule in our house. Whether your child is having a hard time telling you something or is upset overall, it's important to teach them coping skills. Then they can use the skill if they're with you or off with their friends. If you notice them starting to get discouraged, ask them to take a deep breath and try again. This allows them to cool off and start over. They'll be surprised how much starting over can help a situation.
Help Them To Succeed
It can be difficult for an easily discouraged child to accomplish big tasks. It can seem too big to complete and they may give up before they get close. Instead, set them up to succeed. Break the task down into simple and manageable tasks. Instead of putting all their laundry away, ask them to start off with their shirts, then their pants, and so on. The more the succeed, the more willing they will be to try in the future.
Let Them Know You Understand
It's easy for kids to think you won't understand and keep their thoughts and frustrations to themselves. Instead, let them know you do understand. After they open up and tell you something make sure you empathize. I can see how frustrating that is. That must make you mad. They need to know you're on their team and to know they're feelings matter.
Encourage ALL Progress
As a parent, you are your child's cheerleader. You are the one yelling and cheering them on over on the sidelines. They need this at home too. They need their successes to be celebrated no matter how big they may be. The more you encourage your child, the more they'll want to succeed. They like knowing they did a good job! Who doesn't!?Find out how you can encourage your child and try out a few of these. See which ones work for them and do it again and again. They need to know they can do it. Help them to know they can do anything they set their minds to.