Frustration is a normal, and stressful, experience in life. How can we help our children learn to manage their frustrations in a healthy way?
What is frustration and why should we help our children learn to cope with it? A Fine Parent, opens a new window takes a look at each of these questions, gives practical strategies and action plans for parents.
PBS Parents, opens a new window and social worker Katie Hurley takes a look at triggers. Your child may have one or several of these, and their presence can cause your child to act out.
Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg addresses the components of resilience on HealthyChildren.org, opens a new window. His strategies for parents can help increase competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping and control in children.
Our first instinct as adults is to help when our children are frustrated. Parents, opens a new window reminds us to take a step back and let them work it out on their own. If they're unable to complete it after several tries, guide them through the steps. Be sure the task isn't too far out of their ability level, just a step above.
Understood, opens a new window gives practical talking points when combatting your child's frustrating moments. Often our perception of events is different from their point of view, and a disconnect between our expectations and their feelings can happen. This site is for parents of children with learning and attention issues, but the content of this article is applicable to all children.
Finally, wikiHow, opens a new window has an easy guide to responding to a frustrated child.
For books suggestions, check out our list:
What works in your family? Let us know in the comments!
Add a comment to: ARRRRGGGHHHHH! This Is So Frustrating!