Step In or Step Back

Step in when the struggle crosses from productive to destructive. Signs of productive struggle: frustration, effort, multiple attempts.

A useful rule of thumb: if your child can handle most of the challenge on their own and needs you only for the last stretch, they are in the zone. If they lean on you for a large part of the task, it is probably too advanced for now. Adjust the difficulty of the task, not your child's tolerance for distress.