We've had this problem. It's one reason why I work with my 8-year-old twice a week on maths that's at his level. I also work with my younger two and stress the importance of trying hard.
We've noticed some improvement with the problem. The kids get used to having to think about something and so complain less. We also tell them that things won't always be easy and that they need to exercise their brains. They're typically happy they did it (whatever the challenge was) in the end.
I wonder if the homeschoolers have less of a problem with this because their kids always work at an appropriate level?
Val
