Children need to learn how to fail. Failure is an inevitable experience of life. Sometimes at school and at home, only the higher grades like As and Bs receive positive attention. A child could move from 18% to 52%, and it’s actually a miraculous improvement – a momentous occasion. However, if that progress is not affirmed, the child will learn that his progress doesn’t matter. Such children develop a sense of helplessness. They eventually stop trying altogether.
Many children are afraid of failing. This fear breeds anxiety. This anxiety will hold them back from future challenges. Every successful entrepreneur failed many times before they succeeded. Fear of failure is something all children need to overcome. The remedy is to always praise their efforts rather than soley focusing on ‘success’.
Sometimes parents become obsessed with their children being ‘the best’ in the class. This creates a competitiveness that can place children under immense pressure. These children in turn start to assess their own ‘success’ in terms of how they compare to others. This is dangerous and hampers self-esteem. It is important to recognise that all progress matters and the objective is to keep trying! It is also crucial for children to learn that disappointments and setbacks are part of living. Once they are doing their best, they can hold their heads high.
News
I’m delighted to announce my new show Wake Up! You’re Here! which will be performing at the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo and the Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. This unique blend of psychology, poetry, stories and humour aims to inspire audiences to live their best lives despite the inevitable challenges along the way. For more information see below:
Tickets for the Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney on September 5th at 8pm are now on sale here €25
Tickets for the Hawk’s Well, Sligo on September 10th 8pm on sale now.
Adm €25 plus €1 donation to renovation fund.
