The Dip

First, a shout out to Seth Perler, executive function coach, who introduced me to the name, The Dip, for that all too familiar phenomenon where we start out with great intentions, really nail it to a few weeks, only to start slipping, maybe just missing the mark a bit here and there, then the “misses” start to mount up, becoming more the standard than the exception, and we are fully down in The Dip.


Seth was talking about how this pattern plays out in school. Kids start the new year or new semester with gusto and confidence, do all their homework, stay on top of all their projects really well for a few weeks. Then they miss an assignment, or turn one in a day late, or forget to study for a quiz. But it’s not a big deal, right? They aren’t too far behind. They can easily catch up now, right?


But do they? Or does one missed assignment turn into two, then three, then an avalanche? Do they give up and stay down the rest of the term? Or do they fight and claw their way back up to earn a decent grade?


And then what about the next term? Do they think, well, I pulled it off, so I’m good. This time it will be different. But the evidence is that most likely The Dip will start all over again… good intentions, hard work, a slip, leading to another…


Frustrating!
Exacerbating!
Exhausting!


And it’s not just kids in school, is it? What about the rest of us? How many times do we go through The Dip with exercise, sleep, healthy eating, a new budget, a project around the house or yard, or any of the tasks of daily living?


When do you slip into The Dip?


How do you get out, or even harder, stay out?


We’d love to hear from you. Please send us your best ideas for overcomingThe Dreaded Dip.



Here’s to more resilient wins at home and school,


Anne


PS Want to help your kids have less stress and more success at home and school? CLICK HERE to get a copy of our book, The Resiliency Toolkit: A Busy Parent’s Guide to Raising Happy, Confident, Successful Children.