Scaffolding without Overcompensating

Children need opportunities to struggle a little, not to the point of overwhelm, but just enough to stretch their abilities. When adults step in too quickly or take over tasks, children lose the chance to build resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of competence.

Scaffolding provides the “just right” support: enough guidance to keep a child from shutting down, but not so much that the challenge disappears.

What Overcompensating Looks Like

• Finishing a child’s puzzle when they hesitate.

• Giving the right answer before they’ve had a chance to think.

• Constantly prompting instead of waiting for initiative.

• Avoiding challenges altogether to prevent discomfort.

While well-intentioned, these patterns rob children of meaningful growth moments.

Principles of Effective Scaffolding

1. Start with Observation — Notice where your child gets stuck and where they can manage on their own.

2. Add Temporary Supports — Use modelling, or breaking a task into smaller steps.

3. Fade Help Gradually — Step back as soon as your child shows signs of competence.

4. Highlight Effort — Emphasise persistence and small wins rather than outcomes.

An RDI® Lens

In RDI®, scaffolding is central to guiding children toward independence. The goal isn’t to prevent all frustration, but to create safe, manageable challenges that prepare children for real-world problem-solving.

Want to dive deeper into strategies like scaffolding that truly foster independence? Start with our free resource: Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Confidence. Or, if you’re a professional ready to apply these ideas in your work, explore our RDI® Professional Training.

Contributed by

Genevieve Chua

Educational Psychologist and RDI® Training Director (Southeast Asia and Australia)

Children's Partnership