Learning From Failure

Growing up children constantly feel the need to make people around them proud.  Whether it be their parents, teachers, or other role models, they strive to always be successful at whatever they attempt to do.  When they experience any type of failure, especially for the first time, it has the potential to negatively impact that child.  They feel that they let those important people down, and that in turn they will get in trouble for their failures.  

Failure not only affects children, but adults as well.  Every successful person has experienced failure prior to their success; athletes, movie stars, entrepreneurs and the list go on and on.  People don't understand that failure is an essential step in attaining success. Failure creates resiliency and determination to do better the next time around.  You learn what works and what doesn't, and how to alter your path. 

Teachers need to help children understand that failure should be viewed as a learning experience, not the end all be all.  It should be seen in a more positive light which will help children not fear failure, instead learn from it to do better the next time around.  Once children learn this, they can continue to use it as they grow and enter the real world.  Failure is an integral part of a child's learning journey as they strive for success in whatever capacity that may be! A bad mark on a test or a failed assignment shouldn't discourage a child; educators and parents should provide positive reinforcement and help them learn that not everyone is successful the first time around.  

They may not get it yet, but they will and they will achieve success through their continued effort, hard work, determination, and positive support!

Courtesy of Andrew@NU