Children differ in facing new activities

Some children are quick to try new activities, while others hesitate due to fear of failure. This difference is not only about their abilities but also about how failure is experienced around them.

The role of allowing mistakes

According to Carole Lozupone-Daudon, allowing children to make mistakes without judgment encourages them to take risks. When children feel they won't be criticized for failing, they are more likely to step out of their comfort zone.

Learning is the goal

Creating an environment where children feel safe to fail doesn't mean convincing them they will succeed. Instead, it's about showing them that even unsuccessful attempts are valuable. Lozupone-Daudon emphasizes that the purpose of life is to learn.

Reframing failure

She uses a simple phrase to help children understand that not knowing something is normal and necessary for learning. This perspective helps children see failure as part of the learning process rather than a sign of being incapable.

Embracing disappointment

When children fail, it's important to acknowledge their feelings of disappointment rather than immediately pushing them to try again. This step allows them to process their emotions and feel understood.

Supporting the next step

After acknowledging the emotion, parents can help children think about what they need to move forward. This might involve trying again, seeking help, changing their approach, or taking a break before attempting again. The focus is on perseverance without making failure something to be ashamed of.