The Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities, along with Dr. Robert Brooks, have compiled a list of ways parents can develop positive feelings of self-worth in their children. Help your child feel special and appreciated. Help your child to develop problem-solving and decision making skills. Also, try role playing situations with your child to help demonstrate the steps involved in problem-solving. Avoid comments that are judgmental and instead, frame them in more positive terms.
Many children do try hard and still have difficulty.
Children are less defensive when the problem is cast as strategies that must be changed rather than as something deficient with their motivation. This approach also reinforces problem-solving skills. Be an empathetic parent. Provide choices for your child. This will also minimize power struggles that may arise.