View Mistakes as Opportunities
A laser beam navigates through various structures, zig zagging off mirrors and walls. The laser comes across its own power cord and zaps it. No more laser! The entire scene goes black.
Oops!
But look at this happy accident. The mistake reveals that the structures glow in the dark. Without this goof, we’d never have known.
Mistakes, mix ups and failures are part of life… and that’s a good thing. When you don’t succeed the first time, you’re forced to think critically and creatively. What went wrong? Why? What should I try next?
Overcoming mistakes and mishaps develops a child’s confidence (“I know I can do this!”), their independence (“I can do this myself”) and their creativity (“What if I try something different?”).
As the wise sage Yoda says, “The greatest teacher failure is.”
Try This…
Talk about a child’s efforts and methods (focus less on the outcome)
Like This…
“I see how you…”
“I noticed you’re really focused on…”
Try This…
Ask open-ended questions that encourage kids to adapt
Like This…
“Why do you think that happened?”
“If you could do it over again, what would you do?”
Try This…
If needed, offer helpful hints in the form of questions
Like This…
“Have you thought about…?”
“What do you think would happen if…(insert helpful tip here)?”
#ParentingWin: Simple Ways to Raise Happier, Healthier Kids