ABSTRACT

Letting Go of Perfect gives parents and teachers the guidance and support they need to help children break free of the anxieties and behaviors related to perfectionism. This second edition:

  • Explores a state of mind that manifests in unhealthy ways among kids and teens today—the need to be perfect.
  • Features updated research on perfectionism, new strategies, and resources.
  • Delineates the major types of perfectionism and provides practical tips.
  • Explains how students can use their perfectionistic behaviors in a healthy way.
  • Shares advice and stories from real parents, educators, and students.

For children who believe their best is never good enough, perfectionism can lead to excessive guilt, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, depression, pessimism, obsessive or compulsive behavior, and a sense of rigidity. This engaging, practical book is a must-have for parents and teachers wanting to help children overcome perfectionism, raise self-confidence, lessen guilt, increase motivation, and offer a future free of rigidity.

chapter Chapter 1|6 pages

Perfectionism and Children

chapter Chapter 2|17 pages

Debunking Myths About Perfectionism

chapter Chapter 3|11 pages

The Academic Achiever

"Must Achieve 100%"

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

The Aggravated Accuracy Assessor

"Exactness and Fixation on 'Redos'"

chapter Chapter 5|10 pages

The Risk Evader

"All or Nothing"

chapter Chapter 6|9 pages

The Controlling Image Manager

"I Could Have if I Wanted to"

chapter Chapter 7|13 pages

The Procrastinating Perfectionist

"If It Stays in My Mind, Then I Can't Fail"

chapter Chapter 9|26 pages

Strategies for the Classroom

chapter Chapter 10|13 pages

Strategies for the Home

chapter Chapter 11|9 pages

Resources for Children

chapter Chapter 12|8 pages

Resources for Adults