Try Try Again — The Persistence Challenge
Parent gives the child an age-appropriate physical or fine-motor challenge that is slightly difficult. The agent guides the parent to observe how the child handles difficulty — whether they give up, get frustrated, ask for help, or persist. This activity builds growth mindset, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving through real experience with productive struggle.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Parent should choose a task that's in the child's zone of proximal development — something they can't do easily but could accomplish with effort. Gather needed materials (blocks, beads and string, ball, paper and crayons). The key is that the task should be slightly challenging so the child experiences some productive struggle.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneEarly Learning Goal Children are confident to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.Heart· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMaintains control under frustrationHeart· 4.5y–5y· stretch· Step 3