How To Deal With Children’s Frustration
Frustration in children stems from pent-up needs or desires. It is a feeling we all experience when we cannot fulfill our desires, expectations or goals. In other words, it is something inevitable. Everyone experiences it at some point in their lives.
In fact, frustration is one of the emotions we develop at a very early age. Rapid mood swings, from contentment to frustration and back, are common in childhood.
In every frustrating situation, there is a person, an ambition and some kind of obstacle that prevents us from reaching our goal.
This obstacle can be temporary or insurmountable. At the moment, however, it is something that stops us from getting what we want.
Frustration arises when a child expects some kind of reward.
It can manifest itself in the form of other emotions or in a combination of emotions: rage, disappointment, sadness or hopelessness.
Causes
Frustration can arise at any stage of a child’s development. These are some of the most common causes:
- Stress
- Expectations that are not met
- To be rejected
- Lack of acceptance
- Lack of flexibility
- Jealous
- Competitiveness
- Perfectionism
- Provocation
How to fight frustration in children
- Be an example. Parents with a positive attitude towards overcoming unfavorable situations are the best role models. It is from their example that children learn to find solutions to whatever problems they face.
- Replace frustration with learning. Difficult situations provide good opportunities for children to learn something new. If they can maintain what they have learned, that experience will allow them to deal with the problem themselves if it happens again.
- Teach them perseverance. If children learn that perseverance is the way forward, they will be able to control their frustration in many different situations.
- Infused a culture of exertion. To avoid frustration, teach your child that effort is necessary to solve problems.
- Do not spoil them. Let your child overcome challenges himself. That way, they can make mistakes and learn from their experiences.
- Do not give with you. If you come and help as soon as your children are frustrated , they will expect you to solve all their problems.
- Set goals. Teach your child to endure frustration by setting realistic and reasonable goals.
To develop a tolerance for frustration
Being able to get frustrated means that you can confront the problems and limitations that the little ones experience and overcome the negative emotions that these can cause.
Fortunately, all children can learn and develop a tolerant attitude toward frustration.
Characteristics in children with high tolerance
Children with a high tolerance for frustration can use their own resources to deal with a negative situation.
This means that it is only in extreme situations that children will feel frustrated.
For people with a high tolerance for frustration , life is nicer, easier and less stressful.
Problems become new opportunities. There is always the opportunity to turn the pages and start over.
These people can acknowledge and accept frustration, pain, failure and discomfort, without taking over.
Characteristics in children with low tolerance
Children with low tolerance for frustration will have difficulty overcoming certain situations. They easily lose motivation when they encounter adversity.
These children therefore have a tendency to be more impulsive and impatient.
Because they are used to satisfying their needs immediately, they easily become anxious when faced with conflict or stress.
Frustration in children is undeniably something that all parents should address.
It is important to remember that tolerance for frustration is an ability that we can all learn and develop.
If your children can develop a tolerance for frustration, they will be able to handle whatever life throws at them and it helps them to live a happy and fulfilling life.
