My 5yo boy is so self critical.
He is always saying things like "I'm rubbish at <task>" "<other child> is better at that than me" "I can't do it" etc
If he's doing anything - whether is be reading/writing, or building lego, drawing a picture etc, and makes a mistake, he reacts so strongly and emotionally, e.g. screwing up his drawing, crying, lashing out. If he struggles to read a book he will try and rip the pages. All while shouting about how bad he is at whatever he is doing and essentially giving up. And it's so hard to get him to calm down afterwards.
I don't understand where it's coming from and it's really getting me down. Has anyone else experienced this?? I obviously tell him he's doing we'll at anything he tries, give lots of positive encouragement when he tries something new etc, but it doesn't seem to be working so am really hoping someone else has some advice on what else I could try!
(He's not diagnosed SEN though is sensitive and does struggle with managing emotions generally. Seems to be getting on fine at school though they have also recognised he gives up quickly if he's finding something difficult)