by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: May 29, 2009

Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. Being human, we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes from time to time. Sometimes, there will be consequences for them, and other times, we are able to take the appropriate action to correct our mistakes without any negative repercussions. As adults, we are fully aware of this, but for children, this concept may be difficult to understand. Oftentimes, children can be extremely hard on themselves when they make a mistake; however minor it may be. Therefore, it is our responsibility as parents to ensure that our children keep a positive mindset when it comes to mistakes, and that they are capable of bouncing back from any mistakes they may make.

The following are just a few tips for teaching children that all mistakes are not bad:

- Learn from your mistakes.

It is essential that children are taught from an early age that mistakes are simply an opportunity for learning and personal growth. Often, when we make a mistake, we learn what not to do in the future. In this way, mistakes are very much a gift. Children who are able to understand that all mistakes contain valuable life lessons are better able to maintain a positive attitude when they occur. Also, this simple practice not only prevents them from internalizing their mistakes, but it also enables children to feel good about themselves despite their mistakes.

- No one is immune from mistakes.

It is always beneficial to know that we are not alone when we make a mistake. Simply explaining to a child that every single person who is living on the earth has made a mistake at some, or many, points in their lives can go a long way in helping them to be more at ease with the mistakes that they make. Further, when we share with children some of the mistakes that we, as their parents, may have made when we were children, they are then assured that it is a completely normal life occurrence.

- Letting go of mistakes and forgiveness.

Perhaps one of the best ways to teach children that all mistakes are not bad is to show them that they will be forgiven when they make a mistake, and that it will not be held against them for extended periods of time. Of course, we parents may feel disappointed or upset when our children make a serious error in judgment, but it is our responsibility to always show them unconditional love and forgiveness. It is essential for children to be cognizant of the fact that they are loved not only when they are conducting themselves in a manner we deem as acceptable, but also when they are not. Again, this goes a long way in furthering their self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.

All in all, children need to know that their mistakes do not define who they are, and that they are fully capable of learning from them and moving forward in life. Mistakes are only "bad" when any of us, children and adults alike, fail to learn from them.

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