My 4 year old is going through a stage where everything needs to be perfect...I don't know where this is coming from because we have never put any pressure on her and try to praise her efforts rather than the end result.  Is this just a stage?  At the moment it is just really frustrating trying to deal with it.

Sometimes kids like order. Much like a schedule to when events happen i.e. bath time, dinner, etc.

The only time perfectionism should be of concern when it creates stress in your child when there is a lack of order or perfectionism.  Are there headaches or tantrums associated with the need for order or lack of order?

canadiandad:

Sometimes kids like order. Much like a schedule to when events happen i.e. bath time, dinner, etc.

The only time perfectionism should be of concern when it creates stress in your child when there is a lack of order or perfectionism.  Are there headaches or tantrums associated with the need for order or lack of order?

Bridash has already mentioned headaches in this thread.

Personally, I would try to ignore as much as possible UNLESS it's starting to throw your routines out.


eg
If she has to ensure that her toys are in a straight line and checks 3 or 4 or.....times before you can leave or has to touch very door in the house then it's definatly a problem.