Many parents believe that mistakes are bad, that mistakes should not be made, and should be hidden, and if you make mistakes you are a failure. These beliefs can be very damaging to children. Children who are taught that mistakes are bad, when faced with the possibility of making a mistake, may choose to do nothing and don't even try. Children who are very afraid of making mistakes can become frustrated, discouraged and depressed.
Parents should teach their children that mistakes are opportunities for learning and are a natural part of life. The way to show children that mistakes are okay, is by allowing them to make choices, good and bad and learn from them. We as parents can encourage our children to try again by not yelling and getting angry when they make mistakes. When we yell and scream at our children for making mistakes they will become wary of choices and responsibility. Sharing your mistakes with your children and talking about what you learned from your experience is a great way to teach them about decision making. So actually when our children make mistakes it's not a bad thing, it's just another opportunity for them to become wiser.
I have always thought that it was a no no to yell at a child when she makes a mistake. I grew up in a house like that. When my child, I always try to talk to her about what happen and how we can do it differently next time. I think that child will be more careful if something was broken and not be afraid if you turn a mistake into a learning opportunity for them. Great post!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
http://www.richlymiddleclass.com
Thanks for you comment.
ReplyDeleteThe way I look at it is: It's my job to teach them how not to make it again - or guide them to their own understanding - but not to keep them from making it.
ReplyDeleteIn the book I talk about in this post of my blog I mention problems with perfectionism and about a book I have been reading. The book mentions just this quandary and how it creates, or incites, perfectionism in a child - which can actually be a destructive behavior.
I like you insight. View mistakes as an opportunity for learning, and you can't go wrong!