Preventing Perfectionism in Children.

This article presents an excerpt from the article Preventing Perfectionism in Children, by Joan Franklin Smutny. As parents and teachers, we want children to live up to their potential. The key, though, is to define potential as children's ability to explore and develop the fullness of their own talents, interests, learning styles, etc. There is a big difference between wanting children to develop their potential and expecting them to be at the top in everything they attempt. When you are clear that inner achievement--the development of high-level thinking skills and the expansion of creative imagination--the ability to take risks, and the joy of discovery are far more important than high grades and awards, you will be able to help children combat perfectionism.