Perfectionism, Procrastination & Anxiety: Helping Children Break Free
Oct 18, 2024
As a child therapist, one of the common patterns I observe in my work is the complex relationship between perfectionism, procrastination, and anxiety in children.
These three issues are closely linked, and understanding how they interact is key to helping children who struggle with one or more of them.
Perfectionism: Chasing the Ideal
Perfectionism is often admired as a positive quality as it’s about striving to excel, reaching high standards, and doing one’s best. However, when perfectionism becomes excessive, it can be crippling. The need to be perfect can lead to self-doubt, fear of failure, and a never-ending pursuit of impossibly high standards.
Procrastination: A Form of Avoidance
To cope with the heavy burden of perfectionism, many children will procrastinate. Putting off tasks provides temporary relief from the pressure to succeed and it becomes a form of avoidance, allowing them to dodge the fear of not living up to their own high expectations.
Anxiety: The Unwanted Visitor
When perfectionism and procrastination collide, the fear of failing to meet personal or external standards can trigger anxiety. Alternatively, anxiety may have come first and be the underlying force driving both your child's perfectionism and their procrastination.
So How Can We Help?
In this week's video, I offer some strategies to support your child in managing this challenging trio and help you understand more about the link between them. You can watch it by clicking the link below.
I hope you find it helpful.
Warmest wishes
Frances x
P.S. Enrolment to From Fearful to Fearless - our programme to help children overcome anxiety - will be opening very soon! To find out more and register your interest just click here
