Letting Go of Perfect pinpoints a state of mind that manifests in unhealthy ways among kids and teens today--the need to be perfect--and gives parents and teachers the guidance and support they need to help children break free of the anxieties and behaviors related to perfectionism. This second edition features updated advice and stories from real parents, educators, and students who have learned to use their perfectionistic behaviors in healthy way. For children who believe their best is never good enough, perfectionism can lead to excessive guilt, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, depression, pessimism, obsessive or compulsive behavior, and a sense of rigidity. This engaging, practical book is a must-have for parents and teachers wanting to help children overcome perfectionism, raise self-confidence, lessen guilt, increase motivation, and offer a future free of rigidity.

Perfectionism and children -- Debunking myths about perfectionism -- The academic achiever : "must achieve 100%" -- The aggravated accuracy assessor : "exactness and fixation on 'redos'" -- The risk evader : "all or nothing" -- The controlling image manager : "I could have if I wanted to" -- The procrastinating perfectionist : "if it stays in my mind, then I can't fail" -- Identifying healthy and unhealthy perfectionism -- Strategies for the classroom -- Strategies for the home -- Resources for children -- Resources for adults.