HELPING YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

It can be hard as a parent to watch our children struggling with something or facing disappointment, but such challenges are opportunities for learning and growth which we have a responsibility to guide them through. It’s our job to give our kids the tools they need to work through problems and move on from setbacks so they’re not afraid to try new things and reach for their goals, despite any hardships they might face along the way. 

Here’s some guidance from a nursery in Hampshire on how you can help your child overcome obstacles. 

 

Take the lead

 

Children learn a lot from watching how their parents and caregivers approach the world and how they face challenges and disappointments, so it’s important to set a good example. If your child sees you frustrated or angry about a difficult situation, they might learn to react the same way, so try to ensure they see you approach obstacles with positivity and without being intimidated or giving up easily. 

When you face setbacks or problems, get your child involved in helping you find the learning opportunities and finding positive solutions - that way they’ll learn that difficulties can be worked through and aren’t necessarily a sign to give up. 

 

Keep a sense of perspective

 

Encourage your child to keep the bigger picture in mind when they’re frustrated by something in the moment or when they’ve had disappointing news. If they’re feeling a little defeated by a tough homework assignment, or finding it a struggle to make new friends, remind them that situations like these don’t last forever, and aren’t necessarily a big deal in the grand scheme of life. 

Of course, you don’t want to belittle their feelings, but reminding them that they can work through problems and break things down into smaller steps to achieve their goal will help them keep a sense of perspective. 

 

Help them handle difficult emotions

 

Your child will experience a variety of different emotions as they grow and mature, and they won’t always know how to deal with them. As their parent, you can help by explaining the emotions and providing suggestions for how they can channel them in healthy ways; for example, teach them deep breathing or counting techniques to call on when they’re feeling angry or frustrated, or give them a journal to write in to express feelings of sadness or disappointment. 

Knowing that their feelings are normal, and how to handle them, will help your child face future obstacles with positivity and resilience. 

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