Tip of the Week
Perfection is a tough target
Perfectionists often view anything short of flawless as a failure. To a perfectionist, if a task isn’t going to be perfect, they might reason it’s not worth starting at all. This can create a vicious cycle of avoidance and anxiety. Perfectionists can spend countless hours on assignments, unwilling to accept “good enough.” This can lead to burnout and hinder their overall productivity.
Here are a few ways to help your child overcome these challenges:
- Normalize mistakes. Let your child know that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
- Use timers. Working in short bursts can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and make it easier to get started.
- Provide clear guidelines. Ensure your child understands the directions and rubric so the expectations of the finished product are clear.
- Encourage flexibility. Help them understand that plans can change and it’s okay to adjust their approach. Taking an easier path to “good enough” is okay.
- Encourage self-compassion: Teach students to be kind to themselves and avoid self-criticism.