What to Do When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide for Kids »

Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice. He earned his B.A. from Yale and his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Illinois. Tom lectures and writes on a variety of topics including perfectionism and the emotional needs of gifted children and adults.

Perfectionism may seem like a worthy goal, but it's actually a burden. When you believe you must be perfect, you live in constant fear of making mistakes. Most children don't know what perfectionism is, yet many suffer from it. Nothing they do is ever good enough. School assignments are hard to start or hand in. Relationships are challenging, and self-esteem is low. Written to and for ages 9-13, this book helps kids understand how perfectionism hurts them and how to free themselves. Includes true-to-life vignettes, exercises, and a note to grown-ups.

Introduction     1
Getting to Know Your Never-Good-Enough Feelings     8
What It's Like When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough     9
What's the Difference Between Perfectionism and Trying to Do Well?     32
Load Lighteners     40
Where Does Perfectionism Come From?     48
Going Further: Thinking Differently About Yourself     60
Getting Help from Family and Trusted Adults     76
Getting Better All the Time     92
Getting Help for Hard-to-Handle Problems     101
Other Problems That Can Go Along with Perfectionism     102
How Experts Can Help     118
A Note to Grown-ups     125
Index     135
About the Author     138