“Mom, I Want To Quit”
Sometimes children who beg for piano or karate lessons or to play a sport will beg to quit a few weeks later. When should parents allow a child to quit an activity? “Generally, children should finish what they’ve started,” said child psychologist Vivian Friedman, Ph.D. “Most sports are one season long. That’s a reasonable commitment.
The unit of commitment needs to be controlled by the parent, and that commitment should be short, especially when children are beginners.” Children often will want to quit after they’ve had a bad day. Ask the child why he or she wants to quit and then address that issue. Sometimes youngsters need help to boost their skill level or they just need a little encouragement.
Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, (205) 934-8931 or gshort@uab.edu.