When your child spills something, drops something, or creates a mess, pause before getting upset. Then, calmly ask your child what she was trying to do. You might be surprised at her answers, and you might learn things about your child and her thinking that you would never have known if you had gotten upset. Sometimes, your child really is just trying to help! Once you know what she was trying to accomplish, you can talk calmly about ways that it might work better next time.
Helping Children Help Themselves
Date Updated: Oct 29 2024 20:53 Version 0.1
Powered by RemedyConnect. Please read our disclaimer.
< Back to all parenting articles
Customize from Parenting Article v0.1 9/9/2025
latest news
July 3, 2026
Independence Day Hours: Our office will be closed for Independence Day. For urgent situations, we will be open for call-ahead sick visits for issues arising in the last 48 hours. Friday, July 3 rd Regular hours, 8am to 5pm APPOINTMENTS ONLY Saturday, July 4 th CLOSED Sunday, July 5 th 10am to 12pm APPOINTMENTS ONLY In case of a medical emergency, please call our office at 919-967-0771 and press “1” to speak to an advice nurse.