Kids can be fiercely independent, wanting to do things for themselves all the time while they work to master their skills. Most of the time, this is a good thing and it helps them learn, but like all people, children sometimes get frustrated when they can’t quite do something the way they want or need to. And that’s when they may throw in the towel and say, “I can’t do it!”
When parents hear their little one admit defeat, their first reaction may be to step in and say, “Fine, I’ll do it for you” or “Let me show you how to do it.” But the thing is, the way we respond in these moments can have a major impact. And that’s why psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy suggests offering a different response. She recommends this six-word phrase instead: “Try again when you feel ready.”
The idea here is that frustration is natural and our job as parents is to help normalize it and that can’t happen if we try to take over. Kennedy points out that saying “Try it again when you feel ready” can teach kids that frustration happens to everyone and that it may be easier to manage after taking a break for a minute. The phrase shows kids we not only believe in them, but we are patient enough to let them learn to work through things.
Check out the full article for yourself at Pure Wow