How much frustration is healthy for a toddler?
Recently, I was reading that it's important to let toddlers experience some frustration rather than handing everything to them on a silver platter and attending to every whimper. The article basically said that they need to learn how to deal with sadness, frustration, disappointment, etc... So how does this work exactly? There's a wide range between being happy and throwing an all out fit.
My son is generally very easy going, and knock on wood, he hasn't thrown a lot of tantrums. And during the infrequent times when we give him a timeout, he doesn't really cry or argue about it much. I have to wonder sometimes if we make things too easy for him? I don't want him growing up in an ivory tower thinking that life is always roses. I would love it if it were, but I want him to be prepared for the other side of life....
Maybe I'm overthinking this, as he is only 2 years old. But the article made me wonder...
Anyone else?
1 Answers
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I think it's great to read an article like that to help you be mindful of your parenting. Articles like that help me realize that it's normal for kids to have an extremely difficult time dealing with frustration and disappointment. But I don't think you need to worry about making sure there is enough frustration in his life. Even if you strove to insulate him from all frustration, I doubt that you would succeed.
Your description of your son sounds a lot like my son was at that age. He is now 4, and still pretty mellow. Just consider yourself lucky for having an easy going child. (Our second child - not so much.) Our son has still had his fair share of frustration though, especially as he got older and had more opportunity to interact with other children ... and just life. Now I am trying to convey to my son how to move on and think of positive things instead of mope after he is disappointed or frustrated.
