How do you help a child who wants to quit every activity the second they are not good at it right away?

My 8 year old wants to try everything — chess, soccer, coding, art. But if another kid is better or the first class feels hard, he says he hates it and wants to quit. I don't want to force every hobby forever, but he does need to learn being new is uncomfortable. What do you say?

Category: Confidence & Resilience

We made a rule, finish the session you signed up for, then you can decide. So not forever, but also not quitting after one hard day.

Mikhail Mamkin

I say everybody pays the beginner tax. You feel awkward, you mess up, you lose. My daughter laughs at that phrase now, but it helped her expect the uncomfortable part.

Paloma Montes