But

there are some surefire ways not to solve a problem:

• Deny or ignore it. Some kids hope that if they ignore a problem, it will go away. Usually, it gets worse. Teach your kids to face up to a problem early.

• Get mad. Instead of writing their big paper, some kids spend all their time being mad that they have to write it. The sooner your child gets over being mad, the more time she has to tackle the project.

• Quit. There are usually many ways to solve a problem. Try one and stick with it.

• Rely on luck. Thomas Jefferson said it best: “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.”

• Be afraid of making a mistake. If your child is afraid he might do something wrong, share this advice from Thomas Watson, who founded IBM: “Go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember, that’s where you’ll find success.”

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