10 Things to Consider Before Letting Your Child Quit
1. Figure out the reason. Sometimes, other activities spark a child’s interest. Kids should be able to explore other activities to find their strengths and interests that could last long-term. Trying different activities allows the child to decipher.
2. Decide what your child should learn based on their specific needs. If you want your child to learn lessons of commitment and “seeing things through”, let it be known to your child from the beginning. Again, always hear your child out and find out the reason.
3.Be sure no one wants to quit based on impulse. Hear your child out and think everything through. Speak with your child about the benefits and downsides.
4. Make a pro’s and con’s list. This is an excellent way to teach your child for future decision-making skills about weighing options. Making the list and weighing whether quitting the activity is going to be the best thing teaches strategy.
5. Consider if quitting impacts others. In certain scenarios, quitting may have an impact on others involved such as a dance, cheer or gymnastics team. It may leave the team in a situation where they would have to change the routine. In these scenarios, it is important that your child knows when signing up that they have to stick through the activity for some time.
6. Children are less likely to stay committed to the next task the more often they quit. Keeping the quitting of tasks and activities to a minimum can be best when considering this. Having a sense of commitment is ideal and can only be implemented in one’s life when practiced.
7. Keeping your word and promise is important. It is a rewarding trait to be one who keeps their word with completing tasks. Trust is another trait that is aligned with a person who keeps their word and promises.
8. Be sure the whole story is understood. Many times, when children are asked why they want to quit an activity, they can give an answer that may actually be a sign for something else. They may say something like “its not fun anymore” when in actuality, bullying could be a possibility, or a coach that could be of concern. Have an in depth conversation with your child to find out the true reason. It may actually be that they are just not having fun, gauge the situation!
9. Is the activity open to join again or are they completely quitting? In scenarios where you want your child to explore activities they like best and gauging strengths, you may have a conversation with your child that they can “take a break” from the activity. It is okay to put a pause on an activity, especially if they have been going at it for a long period of time, or if it can be strenuous.
10. Sometimes quitting is the right thing to do. Understand the situation. After speaking with your child it might be best to withdrawal from the activity. You know your child best! After using your best judgment, if it is best for your child to quit, explain to your child why they are leaving the activity behind. “If this is the case, your child needs your support and help to make a gracious exit” expresses Merrill.
Talk with a therapist about ways to approach your child, gauging stressful situations, and help with coping skills.
Sources:
http://www.seattleschild.com/When-Is-It-OK-to-Let-Your-Child-Quit/
https://www.allprodad.com/10-things-to-consider-before-you-let-your-children-quit-2/
Image from: https://changingthegameproject.com/why-kids-quit-sports/
