Positive Reinforcement

It is important to offer positive reinforcement to your child, even if they make a mistake or fail. Failures can be very difficult for children to accept, especially when they have tried hard to achieve a goal - and even if they may not express it, your reaction as parents will set the tone for their rebound and how they cope with failure in the future. By talking with your child and acknowledging their hard work, you are not just showing them you recognize their efforts, but are also teaching them the importance of learning from their mistakes. If your child expresses prolonged frustration over a failure, engage them in a conversation so they can pinpoint for themselves what they feel they did wrong, and encourage them to try something different next time. Give your child the opportunity to be proud of their efforts, too, by asking questions like, "How do you feel about the effort you put in?" Also, it is a good idea to always remind your child that if they ever have any questions or need help, they can always come to you - after all, that's what parents are for!

Communicating with your child during these times of self-consciousness and disappointment will help your child to be less afraid of failure and more willing to take on difficult tasks.

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