Heart4kidsadvocacyforum's Blog

I can’t believe how this situation shows up so frequently for children of all ages.  To be honest, we deal with this throughout our lives. Perhaps the most critical element of this is how it plays out in the emotional well-being of a child.  We don’t want them to withdraw from exploring or experimenting because they are fearful of failing.  We want them to be fearless warriors in their life.  We want them to know that they can accomplish anything, even if at first, they do not succeed, we are there to support them through the situation, until they can stand steadfast on their own.  It is our responsibility to work them through dealing with these feelings of disappointment, discouragement, self-doubt, and fear or hesitation to try something new or what might be considered difficult. 

We as parents, teachers and caregivers have to be of the same mind that what we expose our children to must be age and interest appropriate.  We have to try to let them explore things that catch their attention.  Sometimes we have to expose them to things we think might be in harmony an alignment with who they are, what their gifts are, and things that will enhance their development and consequently, show them that they are capable and successful in the challenges they are exploring.    

Remember, each child will handle the experience of not accomplishing something differently.  We have to be in tune with how our child responds to stress and figure out what works best with them.  Is it a conversation in a quiet gentle voice, or a hug and warm tender embrace, where we cuddle with them to ease their stress?  Is it giving them tools that they can use on their own to give them control on their own?  Find out what works with your child and take each situation that might arise, pulling out whatever works at the moment because sometimes we have to be flexible and creative in our approach to supporting them.  Are you up for the challenge parents?