“What can I do when my kid gets frustrated with STEM activities?”
If you are new here, welcome! I’m Dr. Amy. I have a PhD in education and am the mom of two incredible kids. I believe that every kid is an incredible wealth of knowledge, with a background and experiences that they bring to learning. Whether you are a parent/guardian doing hands-on activities with your kids or a classroom teacher looking to spark students’ curiosity in learning, let’s explore resources to give you the confidence to foster those incredible minds of young learners together!
How to Pivot When Your Kid Gets Frustrated With STEM Activities
If you’ve ever watched your kid get frustrated during a STEM activity, you’re not alone. It’s a common experience for parents and teachers (myself included!)—and it’s okay to feel unsure about how to handle it. STEM activities often push kids out of their comfort zones, which can lead to moments of struggle. But these moments are part of the process and offer valuable opportunities for growth.
What’s the Point of STEM Activities Anyway?
Before we dive into strategies, let’s take a step back and talk about the purpose of STEM activities. Most curriculum that exists in learning has a specific learning outcome in mind, for example, “Kids will be able to understand animals need shelter.” We then plan activities around getting kids to learn about shelters animals may need to survive. But here is the thing. The goal isn’t to check off a specific learning objective or have your child produce a “perfect” outcome. Instead, STEM activities are designed to:
- Invite kids to engage with an idea or concept.
- Encourage kids to explore, problem-solve, and make their own connections.
- Foster creativity and curiosity, even when the process gets messy.
In other words, it’s not about reaching a predetermined goal—it’s about the journey of learning. When kids engage with STEM activities, they’re building critical skills like resilience, problem-solving, and independent thinking.
But when frustration takes over, it can feel like the activity is backfiring. Here’s how you can pivot to keep the experience positive and meaningful.
Practical Tips for Handling Frustration
- Jump In and Explore Together
Sometimes, kids need to see that it’s okay to not have all the answers. Get hands-on with the activity and explore alongside them. Say things like, “I’m not sure how this will work either, but let’s try it together!” Modeling curiosity and persistence shows them it’s okay to experiment and make mistakes. - Simplify the Challenge
If the activity feels overwhelming, try scaling it back. For example, if the task involves building something complex, start with a simpler design. Giving kids a smaller win can boost their confidence and help them re-engage with the activity. - Adjust the Materials
Sometimes frustration comes from the tools or materials being too difficult to work with. Swap them out for something more manageable or familiar. For example, if building with cardboard is tricky, try using sturdier materials like wooden blocks or LEGO. - Take a Break and Reflect
If frustration is at its peak, it’s okay to step away. Use the time to talk about what’s challenging and brainstorm new ideas together. Sometimes, just a quick pause can reset their mindset and give them fresh energy to dive back in.
Reimagine STEM Learning With Us
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join STEM Collaborative, a community where we’re reimagining teaching and learning through STEM experiences for preschool-6th grade. Here, you’ll find support, resources, and a space to connect with other parents and educators who share your commitment to fostering curiosity and confidence in kids.
Let’s work together to turn frustration into discovery and help kids (and parents!) see STEM as an open-ended invitation to learn.