How to teach persistence?

[LimeSlice]

So I have noticed DD lately gives up on things very easily..
She has always been very independent, but not s good with the keeping at it til she gets it and the last 6 months or so it f=has become apparent how easy she 'gives up'.
Also have noticed a lot of resistance to try new things - everything from food to new equipment at the park to alternate ways of doing things.

So is this a 3 year old thing? A phase? Or is this something I can work on now? How do you teach a 3 year old persistence?

We praise and encourage her where we can and when she does get things and does achieve something she has tried, but the reluctance - and often downright obstinance - to keeping at something or trying new things is much more frequent than it was.

Any tips - DH and I are at a loss and don't want to push her too hard.

[Astrid]

My almost 6yo has this problem. From what we can tell she has high standards and if she can't achieve it right away, then she just wont try.

[LimeSlice]

That's what I am afraid of. I am very much like that and it isn't a trait that has served me well :/ I really don't want that for her. I am just not sure how hard to push at this age.

[hannanat]

For persistence, you could start planning short, fun tasks for your DD that you know are within her capabilities, reward her when she completes them and then gradually increase the time that she needs to stay focused in order to get the reward.

In my experience, the trying new things deal is typical of 3yr olds.

Good luck!

[LimeSlice]

Thanks Hannanat. Will try and come up with some things she can achieve. Not sure what, but we'll come up with something lol


Anymore thoughts anyone?

[Janie71]

Is there something that she already enjoys such as music or dancing that you could possibly get her to focus on? Perhaps if it is something that she already likes, but needs persistence in order to achieve more she will see that sticking to something can bring rewards.

Janie xxx