- For children prone to perfectionism, parents should try to praise effort rather than outcome. This means focusing on how hard they tried, not whether they succeeded or failed.
- Praising effort helps children develop a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, where children might fear failure if they are praised for being innately "smart".
- This strategy is also relevant for children with anxiety, especially when using gradual exposure therapy, where they are slowly exposed to feared situations.
- Anxious or perfectionist children can get frustrated when they can't do something perfectly right away and can be self-critical.
- By emphasizing the difficulty of the task and praising the child for their bravery in trying, parents can help them be less hard on themselves and more resilient.
How to Help Your Child Overcome Perfectionism
Praising a child’s effort, rather than the outcome, helps build resilience and confidence, especially for kids who struggle with perfectionism or anxiety.
Sarah Clark, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatry
