How to Handle a Perfectionist Child

An overachieving child may seem like a dream come true to a parent who does not have one, but perfectionist children can have issues with anxiety, frustration and self-applied pressure. It is important to acknowledge perfectionism in your child in order to help her handle life's successes and failures. Parenting a perfectionist child requires patience, persistence and consistency.

Instructions

  1. Perfectionist Children Need Attention, Too

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      Address unhealthy thinking or messages from your child. If your child believes less than perfect equals failure, you should talk about how proud you are to be his parent no matter what his grades, advises Education.com. A perfectionist child applies a great deal of pressure to himself to succeed at everything. When you reinforce the notion of unconditional love, it sends the message to the child that you will love and accept him no matter what. This may ease his anxiety about imperfection.

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      Examine your own behavior for perfectionist tendencies. A child often exhibits what she sees from her parents. By exhibiting perfectionist behaviors, such as condemning yourself for running late or refusing compliments and criticizing yourself instead, you set that standard for your child, says Scholastic. Treat yourself the same way you wish your child to treat herself so that she sees it is OK to make mistakes.

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      Do not dismiss your perfectionist child's emotions. A perfectionist child can become distraught when he fails to meet a goal he set for himself. Do not respond to your child in a dismissive way, says Counselor Leah Davies in her article, "Perfectionism in Children." Listen to your child's frustration with support and understanding. It may help him through his emotions and make him understand it is normal to be imperfect.

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