Dealing with a Child Who Wants to Quit Everything They Start

nishatutorology
Mar 26
2 min read

Updated: May 20

Your child begs to sign up for soccer, only to want to quit after two practices. They insist they need to learn the guitar, then abandon it within a month. Every time they start something, their excitement fades quickly, leaving you wondering—should you let them quit, or push them to stick with it?

It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time, money, and energy into their activities. But before assuming they’re just lazy or unmotivated, it’s important to understand why kids lose interest so quickly.

Why Does This Happen?

They expect instant success – If they struggle or don’t see quick progress, they assume they’re just “not good at it.”
The pressure sucks the fun out of it – If an activity starts feeling like a chore instead of something enjoyable, they’ll want out.
They followed someone else’s dream – Sometimes, kids want to try things because their friends are doing it or because they feel like they “should.”
They’re overwhelmed or tired – School, social life, and other commitments might make them feel like they can’t keep up.

How to Handle It

Teach the difference between boredom and struggle – Help them understand that feeling frustrated or stuck is normal when learning something new. Instead of quitting, encourage small goals.
Let them have a say – Instead of signing them up for things, involve them in the decision. Ask, “Do you think this is something you’d enjoy for a long time?”
Set realistic expectations – Remind them that progress takes time. Show them examples of people who struggled before succeeding.
Give them an ‘out’ without making quitting a habit – Instead of forcing them to stick with something forever, set a time limit—like finishing the season or giving it three more weeks before deciding.
Praise effort, not just results – Reinforce that trying and learning are valuable, even if they don’t end up excelling at something.

Quitting isn’t always a bad thing—sometimes, it’s just a sign that something isn’t the right fit. The key is to teach them how to make thoughtful choices, so they learn to balance persistence with knowing when to move on.