As parents, we all want our children to succeed and be happy. However, constantly praising them for being “good” can actually hold them back in the long run. Children who receive too much validation for being perfect may struggle to handle even the smallest mistake without feeling like a failure. They may even resort to lying or avoiding activities to cover up their imperfections. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By teaching children to learn from their mistakes and encouraging them to take risks, we can raise resilient, confident kids who are not afraid to make mistakes. Here are seven tips to help you do just that: 

1. Encourage children to try again after making a mistake. Let them know that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. You could even create a ritual of sharing mistakes during car trips or dinner, to help normalize the concept of failure. 
2. Lead by example. Show your children how you yourself handle and learn from your own mistakes. Tell them stories about instances where you’ve made mistakes, and how this has led to lots of learning and fun!  
3. Give children autonomy and decision-making opportunities. This will empower them to take ownership of their actions and learn from the consequences of their mistakes. For instance, encourage your child to participate in decision-making processes that affect their daily lives, such as choosing their own clothes to wear or giving them the freedom to explore and play in their own way. This can help children to feel more engaged and learn about the importance of communication, compromise and reasoning. 
4. Don’t let children avoid new activities out of fear of failure. Encourage them to try new things and remind them that they can always stop after a few attempts if they’re not interested.  
5. Use encouragement. Notice progress and effort rather than results. Say, ‘You are working hard at keeping your room tidy’ instead of ‘good boy or girl’. Separate the behaviour from the person. That is, keep what children do, separate from who they are, so that a bad behaviour does not make the child bad, nor a good behaviour make a person good. This is very important for self-esteem. 
6. Avoid comparing your children to each other or to other family members. Saying things like “Why can’t you be good like your brother?” puts pressure on the child to please you, and can make the child who is struggling feel even worse. It is important to remember that each child is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. By focusing on their individual qualities and accomplishments, rather than comparing them to others, parents can help to build their children’s self-esteem and self-worth 
7. Help children to understand that failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone to it. In addition, it is essential to remember that each child develops at their own pace and that not all children will excel in the same areas. The best way to help each child to reach their full potential is to help them find their own unique path, and not put pressure on them to meet a certain standard. 
    

In the end, it’s important to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of growing and learning. So, let’s teach our children to embrace their mistakes, learn from them and keep moving forward with confidence. Give them the tools to navigate the obstacles of life, and they will be ready for anything. 

At Little Kingdom Childcare, we understand the importance of fostering resilience and self-confidence in children. Our experienced, loving and nurturing staff work closely with each child to help them develop the skills they need to handle setbacks and learn from their mistakes. 

Through a variety of fun and educational activities, we teach children to take risks and try new things, all while providing them with the safety, support and encouragement that they need to succeed. 

At Little Kingdom Childcare, our goal is to give each child the tools they need to navigate the obstacles of life with confidence and resilience. With our support, your child will be well-equipped to handle the challenges that come their way and become the best version of themselves! 

To book a tour at Little Kingdom Childcare The Rocks in the Sydney CBD, reach out to us today!