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🌱 Facing Frustration with Courage 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
We’ve all felt it — that tight feeling in our chest, scrunched-up face, or urge to stomp our feet when something just isn’t working. For young children, frustration can be big and overwhelming.
Learning to face frustration with courage helps children develop patience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. It’s not about avoiding frustration but learning that they can move through it — and that trying again or asking for help is a brave choice.
This week, we’re focusing on helping children understand frustration, express it safely, and keep going even when things feel hard.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels
Supporting Your Child Through Frustration
Pause Before Jumping In
It’s tempting to fix things quickly for our kids when they’re upset. Instead, give them a moment to see if they can try again on their own first. Offer calm encouragement nearby: "I’m here if you need help."Use "Try Again" Language
Phrases like "That didn’t work yet — what else could you try?" or "Let’s think of another way together" encourage problem-solving rather than giving up.Show That Frustration is Normal
Share examples from your day: "I felt frustrated when I dropped my groceries. I took a deep breath and tried again." It helps children know they’re not alone.Celebrate Tiny Wins
Recognize and praise the effort it takes to keep trying, even if the final result isn’t "perfect." "You stayed with it even when it felt hard — that’s so brave!"Practice Calm Body Signals Together
Teach your child to notice their body signs of frustration — tight fists, scrunched face, fast breathing — and practice calming movements or breathing when they notice those signals.
Activity of the Week
Photo by Lorna Pauli on Pexels
Frustration Flip Cards
Help kids learn concrete strategies to manage frustration when it shows up.
Materials Needed: Paper or cardstock, markers or crayons, scissors, hole punch, ring or string
How-To:
Cut paper into small cards (around 3" x 5").
On each card, write or draw a different "flip" strategy — a way to respond to frustration. Examples:
Take 5 dragon breaths
Hug a stuffed animal
Ask for help
Count to 10 slowly
Move your body
Say, "I can try again!"
Decorate each card with colors or small drawings to make them fun and easy to remember.
Punch a hole in the corner of each card and put them on a ring or tie them together.
Keep the flip cards nearby (like in a play area or learning space) so your child can pick one when they feel stuck.
Bonus: Let your child help come up with their own ideas for cards!
Facing frustration with courage doesn’t mean ignoring big feelings — it means learning that we can feel upset and still keep going. When kids know they have tools to move through frustration, they become more confident, resilient, and willing to try new things.
This week, encourage your child to notice when they feel frustrated and celebrate even the smallest brave steps forward. Every time they pause, breathe, or try again, they’re growing stronger on the inside.
Cheering you and your brave explorers on,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
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