"Not a week goes by that I don't hear a parent saying their child is miserable in an extracurricular activity, an advanced placement class, or even a friendship. That parent often then remarks that they won't allow their child to quit. It seems that parents have inherited and sustained the idea that letting a child quit is a moral failure and reflects poorly on the parent with a resounding, "I'm not raising a quitter!""
"I am taking the opposite approach with my own four kids, two of whom are teens and two are tweens. I believe there are perfectly acceptable reasons to quit - the main of which is that quitting can be a healthy habit. After all, as an adult, I have no problem quitting a job, a relationship, a volunteer position, or even holiday plans if they no longer serve me and my family."
"We were convinced that the tough love she was getting on the court would help her have more grit and build skills. Our child, who thrives with calm coaching and more private criticism, was miserable with the coaching style of this team. She asked to quit, and we readily agreed because she was reporting to us that she wanted to completely give up her beloved sport. The mental anguish wasn't worth the "elite" program."
Many parents resist allowing children to quit activities, fearing it reflects poorly on their parenting and equating quitting with moral failure. A different approach permits quitting when activities or relationships cause misery or no longer serve the child. Allowing quitting models healthy decision-making, mirrors adult choices to leave jobs or relationships, and teaches children to assess their needs. In one example, a teen left an elite sports program due to coaching style and distress, preserved mental health, and continued the sport at a healthier level. Quitting can be a constructive habit that supports growth.
Read at Business Insider
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