HCMtv, our 10-week online Life Skills program for kids, failure is one of the 10 ‘Powers’ we teach. We help children see that failure and mistakes are valuable learning experiences on the road to success. For instance, imagine a young footballer missing a crucial goal in a match. Instead of feeling defeated, they use that moment to reflect on what went wrong. Perhaps next time, they decide to try a different kick or take an extra moment to control the ball before shooting. This experience teaches them that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to improve.
We create an environment where mistakes are celebrated, not feared, and failure is recognised as a crucial step towards achievement. Our goal is to nurture resilience and a growth mindset in young minds, turning every setback into a lesson in disguise.
Why Failure is Really About Progress
Think about Walt Disney, a man whose imagination brought joy to millions. He once said, “It is good to have a failure while you’re young because it teaches you so much. For one thing, it makes you aware that such a thing can happen to anybody, and once you’ve lived through the worst, you’re never quite as vulnerable afterward.” Disney’s insight highlights how experiencing failure early on can make us stronger and more resilient.
Or consider Thomas Edison, the inventor who lit up the world with his persistence. He famously said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.” Edison’s relentless pursuit, despite numerous failures, ultimately led to the invention of the light bulb. His story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end but rather a part of the journey towards achieving great things.
What Happens If Our Kids Never Fail?
When we shield our children from failure, we unintentionally rob them of valuable learning experiences. Failure isn’t just a setback; it’s a chance to grow. It teaches kids how to learn from their mistakes, fostering a mindset that values persistence and creativity. It’s through letting children fail that they learn to pick themselves up, dust off, and try again, often with more determination and strength than before.
Tools For Life
Failure also plays a key role in developing life skills. It teaches kids how to handle setbacks, manage disappointment, and take responsibility for their actions. These experiences are essential in building character and resilience. Think of it as working out a ‘disappointment and frustration muscle.’ The more they encounter and work through these feelings, the stronger and more capable they become at handling life’s inevitable challenges.
Safeguarding
By letting children experience failure, we’re not suggesting we leave them to fend for themselves! On the contrary, we’re advocating for a balanced approach where we offer guidance and support while giving them the freedom to take risks and learn from their own experiences. Our role as parents, educators, and mentors is to create a safety net that allows them to explore, fail, and grow.
Losing the Fear
Moreover, failure is a catalyst for creativity and innovation. When children no longer fear failure they become more open to trying new things, experimenting and exploring new ideas. This kind of creative mindset is crucial in a world that’s constantly evolving and demands innovative thinking.
Think Differently
It’s time to change how we view failure. Instead of seeing it as something to avoid, let’s reframe it as an essential part of growth. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome. Encourage a culture where mistakes are seen as a natural part of learning, and where resilience and perseverance are just as valued as achievement. By doing so, we’re not only preparing our children for success; we’re helping them become well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals ready to take on the world.
