Approximation

"Catch people doing something approximately right." - Ken Blanchard

While Blanchard is here talking about managers in a business context, his wisdom applies to children as well. Children need encouragement in order to grow and perform well. We can encourage their effort as well as their cheerful attitude. It is unnecessary to wait until a child has done a task perfectly before we acknowledge them for their effort. Encouragement is not the same as false praise.

Knowing When to Quit

"In the face of an obstacle which is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid." -- Simóne de Beauvoir

Sometimes we worry too much about being thought of as a quitter. Knowing when to quit is a sign of good judgment. As a parent we need to strike a balance between letting our kids quit something they have started and encouraging them to press on when they are filled with normal discouragement which is the result of facing a difficult task. Knowing when to quit can be a sign of real maturity and wisdom.