Feeling stuck? Try the word “yet”
Feeling frustrated means feeling cross and stuck, when something is hard and won’t go right.
What does it feel like?
You might want to throw your pencil, cry or give up. Your tummy may feel tight. It often comes when you are learning something new, like tying laces, riding a cycle or reading a long word.
The magic word: yet
Don’t say “I can’t do it.” Say “I can’t do it yet!” It tells your brain that you are still learning. Every grown-up who is good at something was once a beginner!
Learn from the athletes
The para athletes on page 2 trained for years. Even champions lose many times before they win. Mistakes help us learn.
When you feel stuck
1
Pause
Stop and take three slow breaths.
2
Name it
Say, “I feel frustrated.”
3
Make it small
Try just one small part first.
4
Ask
It is okay to ask for help!
My “yet” list
Something I can’t do yet: ______________________
One small step I can try: ______________________
Did you know?When you practice something hard, your brain gets better at it. Feeling stuck means you are learning!
I used to find it hard, but now I can…
Ask a grown-up to help you remember. Maybe walking, buttoning a shirt or writing your name?
For grown-ups: Praise effort and strategy (“You tried three different ways!”) rather than being “clever”. Let small frustrations run a little before stepping in, then help break the task into one small next step.