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Patience & Persistence
Learning how to cope with frustration is an important skill for all children.
Patience and persistence are powerful skills that can help kids work through frustration and accomplish goals. You can help them build these skills using the strategies below.
Introduce “The Power of Yet”
Let children know that just because they can’t do something now, that does not mean they won’t ever be able to do it. Teach them the phrase, “I just can’t do it yet.” Remind them that learning something new takes time and practice. You might say, “Remember when you did not know how to button your shirt. You tried and tried and now you can do it all on your own!”
Breathe, Think, Do
When children have a frustrating moment, it can be difficult for them to find the tools to calm down. To help, teach them these steps:
- Breathe: Encourage children to slowly take three deep breaths.
- Think: Help children come up with some possible plans to solve their problem.
- Do: Together, choose a plan and try it out. If it doesn’t work, try another.
Embrace Mistakes
You can help children be more persistent when you show them that mistakes are okay—in fact, they are an important part of learning. Let children see you make mistakes and stay positive after making them.
![Two adults and children are engaging in nature and outdoor activities.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-PSEG-Article-Community-667x500.jpg)
Engaging Kids with Nature and Community: Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Learning to care for the environment starts with loving the natural world around you.
![A child and caregiver are folding clothes.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USSI-PSEG-Article-SmallActions-667x500.jpg)
Empowering Kids to Make a Big Impact in Their Communities
Learning about what makes a community is the first step in learning how to take care of our communities!
![Elmo and Abby's family is helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-GardenofSupport-667x500.jpg)
A Garden of Support
Communities can tackle big problems by working together!
![Julia and Julia's family helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-HelpingHomeNeighbohood-667x500.jpg)
Helping at Home, Helping the Neighborhood
Little acts can make a big difference.
![Printable Community Connection.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-CommunityConnections-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Community Connections
Showing our love through art is one great way to care for one another.
![Abby and Maggie Cadabby helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-LittleHelpersBigHelping-667x500.jpg)
Little Helpers, Big Helping
Kids are never too little to make a big difference!
![A Grown-up and child helping out in a community garden.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Webinar_LittleNeighbors-667x500.jpg)
Little Neighbors: Fostering Community Connection, Engagement, and Exploration