I am so completely frustrated.
Son No. 1 is brilliant, funny, engaging and just an all-round good kid.
He also gives up too easily.
I could give you a hundred examples of this but the most recent was last night when the whole family went skating. I spent most of the hour doing a speed skating drill where you go from blue line to blue line balancing on one foot. Last year I couldn't even go ten feet without putting down my other foot and since balance is important in speed skating, I practiced. Balancing on one skate is difficult, it not only requires balance but leg strength.
Last night after watching me, Son No. 1 skated over and asked me how far I could balance on one foot. "From blue line to blue line" I responded. I watched as he skated off to try. He made it about five feet before he veered off and went straight into the wall. He skated back over to me and as he approached, I told him... "Don't just lift up one leg, squat down with both legs and then lift one up". Off he went again.
He ended up smashing into a lot of walls last night but instead of persisting, he got angry, gave up and sulked. When we got home, the sulking continued along with some drama.
I've tried explaining to him that in order to be good at 'anything' you have to practice, I've tried encouragement, I've tried helping....all to no avail.
It drives me crazy.
So I'm asking you. How do you teach your kids the importance and value of persistence?
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