Watching my 8-year-old daughter grapple with perfectionism has deeply affected me as a parent. She feels a great deal of pressure to perform flawlessly in every aspect of her life. One vivid memory is of a routine morning drive to school when she was in kindergarten. After recently learning how to tell time she noticed we were a few minutes late. That minor delay led to a total meltdown, completely overwhelming her despite my best efforts to reassure her that everything would be fine.
Such intense reactions are heartbreaking and not uncommon among highly intelligent and extremely sensitive children like my daughter, commonly identified as gifted children. They often carry the weight of high expectations, feeling they must excel at all times and fearing the disappointment of others. Having taught gifted students myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strain this perfectionism can place on them.
In Florida, a “gifted” student is someone who requires special programs due to their superior intellectual capabilities. The qualifying process, especially the challenging IQ test, often sparks anxiety in students like my daughter, who are naturally high-achieving and competitive.
Journey to Embracing Imperfection
My daughter’s journey began in first grade when she felt left out as her friends attended gifted classes, prompting her to ask me if she could be tested. Although she passed the initial evaluation, she didn’t meet the IQ criteria. Her continued desire to be retested, coupled with her anxiety in high-pressure situations, led us to a tough decision — delaying her re-evaluation. Explaining this decision to her was heart-wrenching, reflecting the deep emotional impact that these experiences can have.
This story goes beyond gifted program evaluations, emphasizing the need to truly understand and support our kids during challenging moments. We see how important it is to care for their feelings just as much as their school success.
In this post, I would like to discuss strategies for helping our gifted children accept that imperfection is a natural part of growth. Highlighting the value of encouraging them to embrace their journeys, recognizing that real learning comes from overcoming challenges, not from a flawless record.
Personal Strategies for Support
Supporting a child through perfectionism and anxiety involves both understanding and action. Here are some personal strategies that have been effective for my daughter:
Open Communication: We maintain a routine of discussing the importance of effort over perfection. I ensure our conversations provide a safe space where my daughter can express her feelings and learn that mistakes are natural and valuable for growth.
Clear Routines and No Surprises: To minimize anxiety, I keep my daughter informed about daily routines and upcoming activities. This approach helps her feel prepared and secure, reducing stress from unexpected situations.
Professional Guidance and Play Therapy: Regular consultations with teachers, administrators, and therapists are crucial. Play therapy has been especially effective, helping her develop coping mechanisms and recognize symptoms of anxiety early, which allows for better management.
Encouraging Expression Through Dance: Dance has become a vital outlet for my daughter, allowing her to express herself freely and build confidence. Her involvement in a dance company not only enhances her self-esteem but also teaches valuable teamwork skills as she supports and connects with her fellow dancers.
These strategies have not only helped my daughter manage her perfectionism and anxiety but have also strengthened our bond, reminding us both that the overall goal is growth and resilience, not perfection.
Learning to Embrace Imperfection Together
Teaching my daughter to accept imperfection has reshaped our relationship and my approach to parenting. As someone who’s battled with perfectionism, I see my past challenges mirrored in her, which makes our journey deeply personal and transformative.
Allowing my daughter to openly share her sadness and frustration, crying on my shoulder after she wasn’t allowed to re-evaluate for the Gifted Program, taught us both the power of embracing our emotions. This has not only brought us closer but has also been key in helping us both find self-acceptance. It’s taught us that it’s okay not to meet every expectation and that understanding our emotions is a part of growing.
Opening up about our feelings has been good for both of us. It’s strengthened our trust and understanding, allowing us to accept imperfections in what we do and how we feel.
The Power of Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Remember how crucial it is to accept ourselves and our children as perfectly imperfect. Knowing that “you are enough” can relieve a lot of pressure for our kids. This belief builds their resilience, showing them that they are valued beyond their achievements in school or life. Your compassion and support can truly change their world.
I invite you to think about ways you can support your child’s emotional health and share your ideas in the comments. How do you help your high achievers handle the stress that comes from perfectionism? Let’s share tips and support each other in creating a nurturing space where our kids can grow without the pressure to be perfect.
About the Author
Alexandria Smith is a Women’s Wellness Advocate and Educator, and the founder of Mom, Wife, Worship Life. As a Jacksonville native, former public school educator, and a devoted wife and mom to Alia and Mia, she understands the intricate balance of motherhood, marriage, and mental wellness.
Her journey, marked by faith and resilience in the face of chronic mental illness, inspires her to empower other moms. Through her platform, she shares insights, experiences, and resources that help moms and wives to embrace self-care and find strength in their roles. Join her on a journey of not just surviving, but thriving, by becoming a part of the vibrant Mom, Wife, Worship Life community on Instagram @momwifeworshiplife.
