Don't Give Up--Keep Trying

1. Recognize Your Child's Feelings: Tell your child that you know it is frustrating when you can't get something right the first time.

2. Model a Different Way: Let your child know that you understand her feelings. Tell your child about something that you had to work hard on, and how it was frustrating for you. Talk about situations where you needed to ask others to help you.

3. Coach Your Child: Before your child is about to play the game or sport, remind her that she should feel proud of herself for trying. Talk about what that might mean, e.g., it takes lots of spills to learn to rollerskate, but you are tough!"

4. Watch and Praise: Praise your child by connecting her efforts to her improvement and enjoyment. For example say, "I can tell that you are trying hard, you stayed up on your skates longer that time."

Cope with Losing

1. Recognize Your Child's Feelings: Tell your child that you know how much he wants to win, and that he feels upset when he doesn't.

2. Model a Different Way: Tell your child about times when you lost a game or contest, and how you felt about it. Tell your child that you learned that, "Nobody can win every time." Tell your child that you coped with losing by reminding yourself of things you could do well.

3. Coach Your Child: Before your child is about to play, remind her that it's easier to have fun if you don't always have to win. Talk with your child about something she can tell herself if she doesn't win: e.g., "I tried hard anyway," "I don't have to win to have fun," "Maybe I'll win another time."

4. Watch and Praise: Praise your child if she loses, but doesn't get angry. Praise her for her good control, and remind her of things she did well.

Waiting your Turn

1. Recognize Your Child's Feelings: Tell your child that you know how hard it is to wait.

2. Model a Different Way: Show your child how to wait in line without bothering anyone, pushing, etc. Talk with your child about things he can think about or do while he is waiting in line.

3. Coach Your Child: Before your child goes to play, remind him to tell himself what to do while he is waiting.

4. Observe and Praise. Watch for your child to wait his turn, and then tell him that you are proud of how well he did.