In fact, when kids spend all their time trying to be perfect, they may actually end up hurting their ability to learn.

Could your child be a perfectionist? He is if he:

• Focuses on what he did wrong, not what he did well.
• Always has to get an “A” grade.
• Avoids trying new things for fear he may fail.
• Puts things off out of fear it won’t be good enough.

What can you do if you see these traits in your child?

• Show your child you value him for who he is, not what he does.

• Help him see what’s important and what isn’t. He should spend time researching for his report. But he doesn’t need to spend hours coloring the cover.

• Applaud him for taking risks. Let him know it’s okay to make mistakes.

• Make time for some things your child can do where he won’t compete.

• Read about other achievers. Many say their mistakes were what helped them learn the most.

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