10 Simple Strategies to Support Independence in Young Children: Tips for Confident Parenting
/
Conquering Separation Anxiety: 5 Proven Strategies to Support Your Child's Transition to School
/
For many children (and parents!), this can be a time of high anxiety and stress, particularly when it comes to saying goodbye at the classroom door. But don't worry, I'm here to help.
Read More5 Key Tips for a Smooth School Lunchtime
/
Is your little one off to a full day of school? Will they be eating lunch at her new school? Here are some tips to make lunchtime predictable and successful for your child.
Read MoreWhy Your Child Loves Stories With Animals: Unpacking the "Child in a Fur Coat" Concept
/
Have you ever noticed that the characters in your child’s favorite shows and books are animals? There is a good reason for that (And no, it’s not just because kids love cute animals!)
Read MoreBest Kids' Lunchboxes for Back to School: Side-by-Side Comparison
/
A side by side comparison of our favorite lunch boxes for back to school
Read MoreEffective Communication: 4 Things to Say When Your Child Doesn't Get Their Way
/Effective communication with your child is crucial for their growth and development. When your child doesn't get their way, it can be challenging to navigate the situation without causing a meltdown. In this blog post, I’ll cover four things you can say to your child to help them understand their feelings and find a solution that works for everyone.
Read MoreParenting Self-Doubt: It's Normal, It's Okay, and Here's How to Navigate It
/
If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed with self-doubt, you're not alone. It's a normal part of the journey, and there are strategies to help navigate it. Discover how to identify and challenge your negative thoughts, build your confidence, and become the parent you want to be.
Read MoreHandling 'That's Not Fair!' Moments: Effective Parenting Strategies
/
Is “That’s not fair!” a common theme in your house? Read this.
Read MoreEasy Ice Play Activity for Kids
/
An icy cold activity that won’t cost a dime and will entertain a very young child equally as well as a grade-schooler.
Read MoreTaming the Endless 'Why?' - Strategies to Boost Your Toddler's Conversational Skills
/
Discover effective strategies to boost your toddler's conversational skills and put an end to the endless 'why?' questions. Learn how to encourage your child to communicate effectively and develop their language abilities with simple and practical tips.
Read MoreHelping Your Child Learn to Share: Why Full Turns Matter
/
Learn how to support your child in the turn-taking process and build their confidence in sharing.
Read MoreHow to Make Playdough at Home and Teach Your Kids to Play with It Independently: A Step-by-Step Guide
/
All things play dough: Recipe, Where to Buy, Why it is a great tool for learning
Read MoreTHREE TIPS TO BUILD YOUR CHILD'S FRUSTRATION TOLERANCE
/
You just heard a crash from the playroom and your heart stops. He was working SO hard on that building. Cue the tears and tantrums of frustration…
Read More3 Fun and Engaging Activities to Calm Tired and Cranky Kids
/
Three easy activities you can pull off when you are both exhausted and need a break.
Read MoreTired of Sibling Arguing? Empower Them to End the Fight
/
Do you find yourself constantly having to intervene in fights between your kids? The constant arguing and bickering can be incredibly frustrating and draining. But what if we told you there was a better way?
Read MoreDoes Your Child Throw Toys? How To Help Them Stop Throwing and Start Playing
/
Does your child throw toys and supplies instead of playing? Read for exactly how handle it. Plus, my favorite toddler art supplies.
Read MoreHow to Use Narration to Boost Your Child’s Independent Play Skills
/
Sometimes when we ask questions while our kids are busy at play, we unintentionally insert our own ideas and the magic of independent play doesn't fully come to life. Here’s what you can do instead!
Read More4 Tips for Independent Play On-The-Go With Kids
/
Traveling with kids can certainly be an adventure, but it's usually not the relaxing vacation we dream of. Try these 4 tips to make your trip smooth sailing!
Read MoreSupporting Your Child's Emotional Growth Through Art: How to Respond to Frustration
/
It’s only natural to want to encourage and support our children in everything they do. However, when it comes to art, it can be challenging to know what to say when our kids experience frustration.
"My four-year-old melts down when she makes a mistake on her drawing. What do I say?”
Whether it's a four-year-old who melts down when their drawing doesn't come out the way they wanted or an older child who is struggling to get the hang of a new technique, it can be tempting to step in and minimize it with the following phrases,
“It looks great! What are you talking about?’
“Here, let me show you how…”
“Stop being so hard on yourself, kid!”
If you are a parent or a teacher, I bet you already know that when you’ve tried that approach, you are met with more frustration, crumpled paper, and scowls.
So, what can you say instead? Here are a few suggestions that may help your child work through their frustrations:
"That didn't come out the way you wanted it to."
"I remember learning to draw and it was tricky for me too."
"You were wishing it looked different."
By acknowledging your child's feelings and helping them put words to what they're experiencing, you can provide them with the emotional support they need to work through their frustrations. Kids just want us to understand how they're feeling inside. They don't necessarily need us to tell them that their drawing looks great or to show them how to draw it. You'll see them work through their frustrations much more productively by simply giving them their feelings and words to match.
Helping your child overcome frustration is about understanding their emotions and providing them with the support they need to work through their challenges. Taking a supportive and understanding approach will give your child the tools they need to grow.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Featured
Check out our Ebook Shop
Supporting Your Child Through Difficult Situations: Phrases to Help Build Resilience
/
These two phrases will help you and your child through difficult situations.
Read More
Tip on how to start small and keep it simple, along with ideas for materials to include. Create a magical space for your kids to play.