JULY2014

Young students: No matter how tough, I won’t give up!Older students/teens/adults: The determination to keep going even when faced with challenges or initial failure.

P E R S I S T E N C E

DEAR DR. ROBYN

Dear Carole,

Talent and intelligence are extremely helpful in goal achievement. However, I imagine you would agree that many people fall short of their potential simply because they don’t persist.

Here are some ways to help your child keep going, even in the face of challenge or initial failure:

(1) Encourage it: Talk to your children about persevering through challenges. When you see them struggling, encourage them to envision the end goal and see it through. And, when you see others showing persistence, point it out and talk about showing determination even when initial failure seems possible.

(2) Model it: Are you the kind of person who sticks with a task until you complete it? When we model persistence, our children are able to benefit from a template that you want them to follow. If possible, surround them with others who

also show persistence so they see it as the rule rather than an option!

(3) Reward ingenuity: Persistence isn’t simply about charging forward with the same method over and over again until a goal is achieved. Rather, it’s about finding the best way to reach a goal for our particular expertise and style. When you see your child changing the way s/he is going about working to achieve a goal, praise creativity. There are many ways to reach success!

(4) Praise stick-to-itiveness: When your child doesn’t quit even when a task is challenging, notice it. Tell your child; “One thing I know about you is that when you put your mind to something, you achieve it. You must be proud of your persistence that lead to these results.” When your child has a determined spirit, show him /her that you value it-- it matters!

(5) Offer emotional support: Staying persistent isn’t easy. When your children are frustrated

that they are having trouble with a task, be available so that they can vent. Tell them that it’s normal to get frustrated and help them to release negative energy so that they can move forward.

Achievement is a process-- we don’t always meet our goals on the first try! Help your child to keep looking ahead and make sure they know that you are rooting for them every step of the way!

Here’s to your success!

Dear Dr. Robyn,

My child is full of talent and intelligence. But she sometimes gives up before she is able to get to the end of a goal. It’s very frustrating for everyone. I tell her that quitting is hardly an answer but it’s as if she isn’t hearing me. How can I teach my child to keep going even when it’s not easy?

--Carole T., Macon, GA << Paraphrased from an email; with permission

© 2014 Powerful Words Character DevelopmentFor more Powerful parenting information, go to www.DrRobynSilverman.com.