Tip of the Week

October 15, 2024

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.