The Dangers of Expecting Perfection in Children: A Comprehensive Guide

A child under the pressure of perfection, girl holding red maple leaf

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” These words by Vince Lombardi, a renowned American football coach, hold a profound truth. However, when it comes to children, the chase for perfection might lead to more harm than excellence. The expectation of perfection in children can create an environment that stifles creativity, induces stress, and ultimately hampers their overall development.

Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond the simple pursuit of perfection. It’s a relentless striving for extremely high standards, often unattainable, coupled with a tendency to judge one’s self-worth based largely on the ability to strive for and achieve these standards.

Imagine a child working on a drawing. A perfectionist child wouldn’t just aim to make the drawing good or even great. They would want it to be flawless, without a single line out of place. If they make a mistake, they might discard the entire drawing and start over, or even give up entirely out of frustration. This is the kind of pressure perfectionism places on a child’s shoulders.

In children, perfectionism often stems from a combination of inherent personality traits, parental expectations, and societal pressures. Let’s break these down:

  • Inherent Personality Traits: Some children are naturally more inclined towards perfectionism. They may have a keen eye for detail, a strong desire to please others or a fear of making mistakes. These traits, while not inherently harmful, can lead to perfectionism if not properly managed.
  • Parental Expectations: Parents naturally want the best for their children. However, when expectations become too high, children may feel the need to be perfect to earn their parents’ approval. This is especially true if parents offer love and praise conditionally, based on the child’s achievements.
  • Societal Pressures: We live in a society that often equates success with perfection. From flawless celebrities on magazine covers to the pressure to get perfect grades in school, children are constantly bombarded with messages that they need to be perfect to be valued.

As we delve deeper into the topic, it’s important to remember that perfection isn’t inherently bad. Striving for excellence can drive growth and improvement. The problem arises when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession, leaving no room for mistakes, learning, and growth. As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

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In the following sections, we’ll explore the impact of perfectionism on children and provide practical strategies to foster healthier expectations. Stay tuned for a journey of understanding, empathy, and growth.

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The Impact of Perfectionism on Children

When we talk about expecting perfection in children, it’s crucial to understand the profound impact it can have on their overall well-being. The effects are not just superficial or temporary; they can deeply influence a child’s mental, social, and academic life.

Psychological Effects

Children striving for perfection are often under immense mental pressure. They live in constant fear of making a mistake, which can lead to a state of chronic stress and anxiety. The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. When a child is perpetually anxious about being perfect, it can manifest in various ways such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems.

In more severe cases, this relentless pursuit of perfection can even lead to depression. A study published in the Journal of Personality found a significant correlation between perfectionism and depression. When children continuously fail to meet their unrealistically high standards, they may start to view themselves as failures, leading to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Social Effects

On the social front, perfectionism can be equally damaging. Children who are perfectionists often fear making mistakes in front of others. This fear can become so overwhelming that they start avoiding social situations altogether, leading to social isolation. They might refrain from participating in group activities or sports, fearing that a poor performance might expose their imperfections.

Furthermore, perfectionistic children might have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships. They might expect the same level of perfection from their peers, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. Or they might fear that their friends will judge them for their imperfections, making it hard for them to open up and be themselves.

Impact on Academic Performance

The realm of academics is where the effects of perfectionism are often most visible. On the one hand, perfectionism can drive some children to excel academically. They might spend extra hours studying, meticulously completing their assignments, and consistently aiming for the highest grades.

However, this isn’t always positive. The pressure to be perfect can also lead to academic burnout. Burnout is a state of chronic physical and mental exhaustion combined with doubts about one’s competence and the value of one’s work. Children who burn out might start to disengage from their studies, their grades might drop, and they might lose interest in learning.

Moreover, perfectionistic children might develop a fear of failure that inhibits their ability to take academic risks. They might avoid challenging tasks or subjects, limiting their learning and growth.

Expecting perfection in children can have far-reaching consequences. As parents, educators, and caregivers, it’s essential to foster an environment where children feel valued for who they are, not just for their achievements. Every child is unique, and their worth is not defined by their ability to be perfect.

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Case Study: The Perfectionist Child

To truly understand the impact of expecting perfection in children, let’s delve into the life of Emma, a bright 10-year-old girl who was always at the top of her class. Emma was known for her meticulousness and determination, traits that made her stand out academically. However, these same traits, when pushed to the extreme, began to take a toll on her mental health.

Emma was the kind of student every teacher praised and every parent wanted their child to be. She aced every test, her homework was always flawless, and she was the first to raise her hand in class. But behind this facade of academic excellence was a child struggling with the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Her pursuit of perfection was so intense that a single mistake in her homework could lead to sleepless nights filled with anxiety. She would spend hours poring over her work, checking and rechecking her answers, unable to rest until everything was just right. The fear of making a mistake, of not being perfect, was a constant presence in her life.

Emma’s parents initially thought her dedication to her studies was admirable. They praised her for her hard work and high standards. However, they soon noticed changes in Emma’s behavior. She became more anxious, her sleep was disturbed, and she started avoiding activities she used to enjoy, like painting and playing the piano, for fear of not being good enough.

Emma’s case is a classic example of how expecting perfection can turn detrimental. It highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of perfectionism early and taking steps to address it. It’s a reminder that while academic excellence is important, it should never come at the cost of a child’s mental health.

As parents and educators, we need to foster an environment where children like Emma feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them, where they understand that their worth is not defined by their grades or their performance, but by who they are as individuals.

In the words of renowned psychologist and author, Dr. Madeline Levine, “We need to remember that our children are not mini versions of ourselves, they are unique individuals, and our job is to guide them into becoming their best selves.”

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Recognizing Perfectionism in Your Child

Identifying perfectionism in your child is the first step toward addressing it. This can be a challenging task as the signs of perfectionism can often be mistaken for diligence or high ambition. However, there are certain behaviors and emotional patterns that can signal an unhealthy level of perfectionism.

  • Intense Fear of Failure: Children who are perfectionists often have an intense fear of failure. They view any mistake or failure as a reflection of their self-worth. This fear can be so overwhelming that it inhibits them from trying new things or taking on challenges. For instance, they might avoid participating in a school competition, not because they lack the skills or interest, but because they fear they won’t win.
  • Procrastination: Procrastination is another common sign of perfectionism. It might seem counterintuitive, but perfectionists often procrastinate to avoid facing the possibility of not meeting their high standards. They might delay starting a project out of fear that they won’t be able to complete it perfectly.
  • Self-Criticism: Perfectionistic children tend to be their own harshest critics. They might constantly belittle their achievements and focus on their shortcomings. For example, instead of celebrating an A grade, they might fixate on why it wasn’t an A+.
  • Excessive Time Spent on Simple Tasks: Perfectionistic children often spend an excessive amount of time on tasks that should be simple and straightforward. They might rewrite their notes multiple times to make them look neater or spend hours on a homework assignment that should only take 30 minutes.

If these signs are persistent and cause significant distress to your child, it might be time to seek professional help. Child psychologists and therapists are trained to help children manage perfectionistic tendencies and develop healthier attitudes toward success and failure.

As parents, it’s important to approach this issue with understanding and empathy. Your child is not choosing to be a perfectionist; they are likely struggling with internal pressures and fears that they might not fully understand.

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In the words of Dr. Jane Nelsen, an expert in child psychology, “Children do better when they feel better, not when they feel worse.” So, let’s strive to make our children feel better, not perfect. In the following sections, we’ll explore strategies to foster healthier expectations and help your child navigate the pressures of perfectionism. Stay tuned for a journey of understanding, empathy, and growth.

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Healthy Expectations vs. Perfectionism

When it comes to expecting perfection in children, it’s essential to distinguish between encouraging excellence and fostering perfectionism. While these two concepts might seem similar, they have vastly different implications for a child’s development and well-being.

Encouraging Excellence

Encouraging excellence is about motivating children to strive for their best. It’s about setting high, but achievable, standards and helping children develop the skills and resilience to reach those standards. When we encourage excellence, we focus on effort and growth rather than the end result.

For instance, instead of praising a child for getting an A on a test, we might praise them for the hard work and dedication they put into studying. This approach fosters a growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset is a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s about valuing the process of learning and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Fostering Perfectionism

On the other hand, expecting perfection involves setting unrealistically high standards and tying a child’s worth to their ability to meet those standards. Perfectionism is not about growth or learning; it’s about avoiding failure at all costs.

When we expect perfection, we send the message that anything less than perfect is not good enough. This can lead to a fear of failure and avoidance of challenges. For instance, a child might avoid trying out for the soccer team because they fear they won’t be the best player.

Striking a Balance

Striking a balance between motivating children to do their best and setting unrealistic expectations is crucial. It’s about setting high expectations while also providing the support and resources children need to meet those expectations. It’s about celebrating effort and progress, not just outcomes.

As parents and educators, we need to ensure that our expectations are developmentally appropriate and take into account each child’s unique abilities and interests. We need to provide constructive feedback that helps children learn and grow, rather than criticism that makes them feel inadequate.

In the words of educational psychologist, Dr. Michele Borba, “Our job is not to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. Our job is to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” Strive to foster excellence, not perfection, in our children. In the following sections, we will explore practical strategies to achieve this goal. Stay tuned for a journey of understanding, empathy, and growth.

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Practical Exercises to Combat Perfectionism

Addressing perfectionism in children involves more than just recognizing it; it requires active steps to help them manage their perfectionistic tendencies. Here are some practical exercises that can be beneficial:

  • Self-Compassion Exercise: One of the most powerful tools against perfectionism is self-compassion. Teach your child to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would extend to a friend. You can do this by asking them to imagine what they would say to a friend who is feeling bad about making a mistake, and then encourage them to say the same things to themselves. This exercise helps children realize that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
  • Mistake-Making Exercise: This exercise involves intentionally making mistakes and learning from them. The goal is to help children see that mistakes are not the end of the world but opportunities for learning and growth. For instance, you could play a game where the goal is to make as many mistakes as possible, and then discuss what you learned from each mistake.
  • Reality-Checking Exercise: Perfectionistic children often have unrealistic expectations of themselves. This exercise involves helping your child challenge these perfectionistic thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. For example, if your child says, “I have to get an A on every test,” you could help them challenge this thought by asking, “Is it really true that you have to get an A on every test? What would happen if you got a B?”
  • Strengths and Weaknesses Exercise: This exercise involves helping your child identify their strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to help them understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay. You could start by sharing some of your own strengths and weaknesses, and then ask your child to share theirs.
  • Gratitude Exercise: Encourage your child to express gratitude for their abilities and achievements, however small they may be. This can help shift their focus from what they’re not doing perfectly to what they’re doing well. You could start a gratitude journal where your child writes down three things they’re grateful for each day.

Expecting perfection in children is a heavy burden that can rob them of their joy and spontaneity. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a fear of failure. However, by understanding the dangers of perfectionism and promoting healthier expectations, we can help our children grow into confident, resilient, and happy individuals.

The goal is not to be perfect but to be whole. As the renowned poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen beautifully put it, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” This quote serves as a reminder that it’s our imperfections that make us unique and human. They are not something to be ashamed of, but rather, they are openings for growth, learning, and personal development.


Further Reading and References

The journey of understanding the impact of expecting perfection in children is vast and complex. The following references provide a deeper insight into this topic, offering a blend of theoretical and practical perspectives. Remember, knowledge is power, and these resources will empower you to navigate this challenging terrain with more confidence and understanding.

  1. “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW – This book encourages embracing imperfections and understanding that they are not inadequacies. It’s a powerful resource for parents seeking to foster a healthy self-image in their children.
  2. “Perfectionism: A Relational Approach to Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment” by Paul L. Hewitt and Gordon L. Flett – This book delves into the relational aspects of perfectionism, providing a comprehensive understanding of its assessment and treatment.
  3. “Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology” by P L Hewitt and G L Flett – This article demonstrates that the perfectionism construct is multidimensional, comprising both personal and social components and that these components contribute to severe levels of psychopathology. It describes three dimensions of perfectionism: self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and socially prescribed perfectionism.
  4. “The Perils of Perfectionism in Kids and Teens” by Azmaira H. Maker – This article discusses the negative impacts of perfectionism on children and teens, offering practical advice for parents and educators to help them manage perfectionism in their children.

These resources are not just pages in a book or articles on a screen; they are stepping stones on the path to understanding the complex world of perfectionism in children. So, dive in, explore, and remember that the journey to knowledge is just as important as the destination.


FAQ about Perfection in Children

What are perfection tendencies in children?

Perfection tendencies in children refer to the persistent striving for extremely high standards, often unattainable ones. These children judge their self-worth based largely on their ability to meet these standards. They may exhibit behaviors such as spending excessive time on tasks, showing distress over minor mistakes, or avoiding new activities for fear of not excelling.

Where does perfectionism in children come from?

Perfectionism in children often stems from a combination of inherent personality traits, parental expectations, and societal pressures. It can be influenced by parents who place high value on achievement, teachers who demand excellence, or a culture that equates success with happiness and worthiness.

What is it called when you want your child to be perfect?

When parents have an intense desire for their child to be perfect, it's often referred to as "perfectionistic parenting." This style of parenting can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety in children, as they may feel they must meet these unrealistic expectations to earn their parents' approval.

What kind of parenting causes perfectionism?

Perfectionism in children can be caused by various parenting styles, but it's often associated with authoritarian parenting, where high standards and strict rules are enforced. It can also be influenced by parents who are perfectionists themselves, as children tend to model their parents' behaviors and attitudes.

What is the root cause of perfectionism?

The root cause of perfectionism is often a fear of failure or a fear of making mistakes. Perfectionists tend to equate mistakes with failure and believe that they must be perfect to be accepted or loved.

How do you fix perfectionism in children?

Addressing perfectionism involves teaching children that it's okay to make mistakes and that they are loved and valued regardless of their performance. It also involves helping them set realistic goals, encouraging effort over results, and promoting a growth mindset.

Is perfectionism an autistic trait?

While perfectionism is not a diagnostic criterion for autism, some individuals with autism may exhibit perfectionistic behaviors. It's important to note that perfectionism can occur in many different contexts and is not exclusive to any one condition.

Do parents cause perfectionism?

Parents can contribute to perfectionism if they place high expectations on their children's performance and base their approval on the achievement of these expectations. However, perfectionism can also be influenced by personality traits, societal pressures, and other environmental factors.

How does a perfectionist parent affect a child?

A perfectionist parent can unintentionally put a lot of pressure on their child, leading to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The child may develop a fear of failure and start to associate their self-worth with their ability to meet high standards.

Is perfectionism born or made?

Perfectionism is generally thought to be a combination of both nature (inherent personality traits) and nurture (environmental influences such as parenting style and societal pressures).

Are gifted kids perfectionists?

While not all gifted children are perfectionists, there is a higher prevalence of perfectionism among gifted children. This could be due to their heightened awareness, sensitivity, and ability to see possibilities and details that others may miss.

What disorder is perfectionism a symptom of?

Perfectionism is a characteristic that can be associated with several disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. However, it's important to note that not everyone who exhibits perfectionism has a disorder.

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