HELP YOUR CHILD FINISH WHAT HE STARTED

My child never finishes anything he starts! How can I help him learn persistence? When your child goes to school, he will be required to finish projects, games and assignments. Your child needs to learn how to follow through with an assignment even if he is frustrated or not interested in it. In school your child will be required to follow directions, to take risks, make mistakes, and work as part of a group. Therefore, it is important that you help your child develop the ability to follow through with projects. This ability develops over time and builds from your child’s ability to engage and persist in activities that he is interested in, and as he develops a feeling of pride in his accomplishments.

TIPS TO ENCOURAGING MY CHILD TO PERSIST AND TAKE PRIDE IN HIS/HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Play games with your child that requires him to listen and carefully follow more than one direction.

For example: “Simon says, stand on one foot and touch your nose.”

• If your child tends to give up or quit too easily, encourage him by saying, “Try one more time” or “Think about something else you could try.”

• Extend your child’s attention span by gradually lengthening the time he is expected to engage in an activity.

For example: Start to read longer stories together.

• Give your child instructions that involve multiple-step directions.

For example: Take your coat off, hang it on the hook and wash your hands for dinner.

• Have your child plan what they want to do and remind him of the plans when needed.

For example: you might say, “What was it you planned to do today? Are you finished?”

• Talk to your child at the end of the day. Together revisit his plans, and reflect on what he accomplished.

• Comment and praise your child when he is persistent.

For example: “You have been trying so hard to put that puzzle together. Wow, you are almost finished!”

• Help your child identify successful strategies to assist him in finishing a task.

For example: Repeat the steps your child needs to do so he will know what to do next. Write tasks on a marker board or post pictures (such as brushing teeth) and post on the wall with the steps or list of tasks to be completed. Show your child how to cross off each on as they are finished.

• Offer honest praise. Do not use words such as ‘nice’.

For example: “you did a nice job.” This does not really tell your child what they did that was ‘nice’. Instead, be specific when praising your child’s accomplishments. For example: “I love the colors you used in your painting. They are so bright. I’m glad you finished it. You must be so proud of it. Can I hang it on the wall?”

As you encourage your child to persist in finishing tasks and activities, he will begin to take pride in his accomplishments. Your child will be learning that his efforts and persistence is what contributed to his success.