Ask Amy: My Kid Is Really Hard on Himself
b"Does your child crumple every time he makes a mistake? Particularly when it's in front of an audience? A listener named Katherine wrote in to say:\\nMy 8-year-old son is very aware of how he performs relative to others. When he is performing \\u201cworse\\u201d than others he is very hard on himself. He says \\u201cI\\u2019m the worst\\u201d and cries. This comes up most often in sports. He played baseball recently and when he struck out he often cried. (I think the public nature of striking out heightens his distress.)\\nWe try to validate his emotions. We try to encourage and validate his efforts and not the outcome. But nothing seems to work. It\\u2019s heart breaking. I don\\u2019t want to get into a logical battle with him about him not being the worst!\\xa0\\nA logical battle is indeed not the answer, Amy explains. You're arguing with the default mode network. Redirecting and distracting from the issue will make it easier on both you and your kid.\\nLinks!\\nFresh Take: Dr. Ned Hallowell\\xa0on the Newest Science and Essential Strategies for ADHD\\nOur episode: When To Let Kids Quit\\n\\nSpecial thanks to our sponsor, Pampers:\\nFor trusted protection, choose Pampers, the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand.\\xa0Download the Pampers Club App\\xa0today to start earning\\xa0rewards with every diaper & wipes purchase.\\xa0\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices"