When children are challenged by something new, or when you require them to redo or correct an assignment, they may show frustration. A little of it actually promotes learning.

Here's a scenario that might help you understand your role when tears and frustration prevent your child from completing a challenging assignment.

SIXTH GRADER: I just can't write this paper on hurricanes. I don't know how. You write it, Mom. I'll tell you what to say.

MOTHER: I know writing this paper is difficult, but I can't write it for you. You can cry and cry; I'll sit right here by you. And then when you're done crying, you'll need to write your paper.

This situation actually occurred between Janet and her son Alan. Janet sat by Alan at the kitchen table as tears rolled down his face, with her hand on his arm. After 2 minutes of tears, Alan picked up his pencil and wrote a full page about hurricanes. It wasn't perfect, but he did it. With Mom by his side, Alan absorbed his feelings of frustration and fears of inadequacy. Once those feelings subsided, he completed the assignment.