| There is nothing sweeter than watching a child master | | | | Behavioral Sciences at both The Children's National |
| a skill and know it. Whether it's potty training, learning to | | | | Medical Center and The George Washington |
| put on a jacket by himself, tackling cutting skills, or | | | | University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, who |
| understanding that blue and yellow make green each | | | | is internationally known for early childhood diagnosis |
| and every time, that 'ah-ha' moment is priceless. Of | | | | and treatment strategies, "Self-confidence grows from |
| course, it takes lots of practice for most kids to | | | | feeling your successes, and this is true in young |
| master something new, and there are usually missteps | | | | children, older children, and adults. If we've done a good |
| along the way. Oftentimes, the child gets frustrated | | | | job at work, we've had a good day and feel proud of |
| when a new task is difficult, yet learning perseverance | | | | ourselves, and we know a little bit more about we're |
| is also part of the equation. | | | | going to do the next day. We've honed our skill. It's the |
| Sure, as parents we are all busy and there are many | | | | same thing for the child who has so many things new |
| times when it is just easier for us to do things for our | | | | to learn. Pride motivates all of us to try harder and |
| kids, instead of watching the painstaking process of | | | | succeed again." |
| them learning a new skill by themselves. But, ultimately, | | | | With that in mind, give your child the time and patience |
| they must learn, and it often takes lots of practice to | | | | he needs when figuring something out for the first time. |
| get it right. | | | | When he gets it right, you will both be proud of his |
| According to Jean Thomas, MD, MSW, a Clinical | | | | independence. |
| Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and | | | | |