Question for nurses with school-aged kids (high schoolers)...

[Despareux]

Oops, I didn't realize I posted this originally in the humor section, so I copy and pasted over to General Nursing....

While in school, did your children ever feel bad about themselves because they felt they could not perform up to the same standards that you practiced?

For example; I am a perfectionist and would never be able to turn in anything that was sub-par according to my own standards.

I graduate the same year my oldest girl graduates (2012). I think it's bothering her (she says it does not). She does okay in school, but of course, I would like her to put forth more effort because I see how she falls short of her own expectations, but she thinks I want her to be like me and that's never been the case.

I get really pumped up about my schooling and I'm thinking that maybe my kids could be mistaking my own personal achievements as something they must do for themselves for me to completely accept them.

I have a 7 and a 4 year old also. My 7 year old has that perfectionist trait like I do and worry that she may take it her perfectionism to extremes.

I'm working with two kids who are polar opposites and not really sure how to be sensitive to both of their needs. My oldest is my main concern right now. So if you could offer up some helpful suggestions; geez-oh-petes, that would be shiznit.

Thanks.

[Future O.R. Nurse]

WOW! I went through the same thing with my oldest son. Maybe the first thing you can do is eliminate the word "perfectionist" and replace it with "Do the best you can" then show her how. When she is doing homework, you do your homework with her. It was easier for me to see where my son was falling short and then explain the concepts and procedures so that he had a better understanding of the work and what was expected of him. Once he realized that actually reading a whole chapter got him answers much quicker rather than trying to flip through the book, he changed his whole study habits and got better grades for it. He was able to participate in class more efficiently.

Another thing I did with my children was explained the personal importance of education. I also made them aware of the history of education. People were killed because they learned to read and write their name on their own. Others died so that we could have the opportunity to learn. Just keep in mind that there is no such thing as perfection.

[Despareux]

Excellent ideas! Thank you.