Meet Susan. She’s a proud parent who believes that helping her kids with everything will guarantee their success. From math homework to tying shoelaces, Susan swoops in like a stealthy superhero before her child even has a chance to fumble. Unfortunately, her well-intentioned heroics hinder her kid’s sense of autonomy (I WANT to do it) and competence (I CAN do it). It’s like teaching a fish to climb a tree. Let your kids struggle a bit; it’s their chance to shine. Autonomy and competence are superheroes too!

Same goes to our overeager teacher, Mr. Johnson. He is always ready to jump in and rescue his students at the first sign of trouble. “No child left behind,” he exclaims, swooping in to save the day. But guess what? He might be unintentionally preventing little Johnny from experiencing the joy of self-discovery. Think of it as a magic show. Let your students pull the rabbit out of the hat themselves! Initial struggle is like the warm-up act for the grand finale of understanding.

Imagine a world where we offer help without being asked! What a concept, right? While it’s a bit like trying to microwave ice cream (just not meant to be), unsolicited help can chill a student’s eagerness to learn. Kids need a chance to tackle problems solo, like fearless adventurers exploring uncharted territory. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Sure, it’s frustrating at first, but once you piece it together, the sense of accomplishment is sweeter than victory in a candy-crushing game! Think of initial struggle as the training montage in a superhero movie. Without it, our young heroes will never discover their true potential.  Allow our students to spread their wings, learn from their falls. 

Remember, in the grand performance of life, it’s the bloopers and mishaps that make the show worth watching. So, laugh a little, let them struggle a bit, and watch the magic unfold!