But as you know, just as change is a constant, failure is a constant too. The difference is the response to each of them.

Children have a way of adapting more easily. That doesn’t mean there are no challenges in a change. Just a quicker response in that they are learning.

Whereas, failure does happen more often than success. But the difference is there is judgment attached to failure. This is harder to accept because now it involves not just what went wrong, but specifically what the child did wrong.

Failure is personal.

However, we do not have to guard our children from failure. Everybody makes mistakes.

What can be done is the approach to responding after a mistake or a failure occurs.

Get back up and try again!

The K.I.S.S. ~ Try again!

I must say, there is something special about watching a child learn. Yesterday my daughter, grandson and I went to the park. It was a gorgeous day. How could we not go to the park?

During that time, I observed all the children at the playground. Some were guarded after they fell down, while others were more direct and quick in trying again.

So, of course, I turned to watch my grandson specifically. And let me tell you, he took a few spills on the rocks, pine cones, tree roots, and pebbles. At one point, his foot stumbled on a root of a huge tree, and down he went with his knees hitting quickly followed by his hands catching him as he finally faceplanted on the ground.

Now if you were the observer, it looked pretty bad. But Mama and Grandma were right there. And as he looked up, it wasn’t about what happened, but about our reaction.

We calmly made a comment. “What happened?” He looked up, smiled so big as we assisted him to his feet.

No screaming. No fussing. Just a surge of, “Let’s keep playing!”

Even though everybody makes mistakes and falls down, it’s our reactions and responses that alert our children as to how they will react or respond.

So when you are encouraging your child to try again,

1. Be sure to respond in LOVE. Don’t make the failure become your child’s brick wall.
2. Be sure to LIFT UP instead of knockdown. Let your words be blankets of hope and resilience.
3. Let the moment become the teacher. You do not have to reason out why the mistake or failure occurred.

Everybody makes mistakes. And those mistakes do not define who you are, just a lesson in time. Your child will rise above the pile of mistakes and try again if you are willing to lead the charge.

You are an exceptional mama! Keep leading for your child is always watching.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“