While I expect some frustration and disappointment when my son does not perform as he expects to in sports...it pains me to watch what I think is a response that is way out of proportion to the event. If he strikes out in baseball, for example, he beats himself up inside. He can't let it go. He thinks he "sucks". We try telling that the pros strike out MOST of the time. We also point out how other kids react to the same situation, but it doesn't help. How do I help him set more realistic expectations for himself and a more appropriate reaction to setbacks or "failures"?  If this doesn't change he will have many dark days ahead.

I am particually worried that this problem will worsen over time. My son gets straight A's in school right now, but as school become more challenging he may not always get A's. How do help him prepare and not beat himself up?