Some of our kids really struggle with this - knowing when a problem is a big problem and when it isn’t.
It is important for them to understand the difference, though; otherwise, many of our children become extremely anxious about things that are not worth the stress.
There are two simple things that we can do to help:
Talk about it. It is a good general “rule” to go by, and to teach your children, is that big problems are problems that require the help of an adult. It may also be when someone is hurt or in danger.
Let them figure it out. I’m not suggesting to sit back and watch your child really struggling and having a hard time. What I do suggest, though, is not to jump in and solve things for them when it’s not necessary.
If they get the practice, problems will become less scary, and not all problems will feel big anymore.
They will also become more confident with giving it a go before asking for help.
If your child currently needs you for everything and becomes distressed when they are expected to solve any little problem on their own, start slowly.
It will take a bit of time, but reassure your child that they are capable and allowed to find solutions to these problems. Even if the first plan doesn’t work, mistakes are a great way of learning and does not mean that you have failed. It rather means that your plans are improving.
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