Preventing Perfectionism in Children.

This article focuses on what parents and teachers can do to prevent perfectionism in children. As parents and teachers, we want children to live up to their potential. The key, though, is defining potential. Striving for excellence should not be a quest for perfection. Their potential means the children's potential to explore and develop the fullness of their own talents, interests, learning styles, and so on. Striving for perfection, however, has the effect of retarding the growth of children by fostering the fear of failure and a dependency on others' opinions for self-worth. We know from experience that gifted children, in particular, naturally strive for excellence, and that they need specific guidance in navigating the ups and downs that accompany their level of accomplishment. It is important for parents and teachers to be sensitive to the expectations that may interfere with the natural growth of children, whether the children have been deemed gifted or not. Parents can nurture and protect the qualities of curiosity, interest, and joy that should always be an essential part of their children's learning.