COUNSELLOR'S CORNER
LEARNING THROUGH OUR MISTAKES
Our time at school is full of learning, developing skills in reading and writing and learning about Mathematics, English, Religion, Science, History and Geography. During this time children also learn vital social skills, how to play and interact with each other. They learn to resolve playground and friendship issues which provide solid foundations for adult life. This learning often stems from trial and error. Each mistake we make provides an opportunity to learn and helps build resilience. Yet often children are afraid of making mistakes, they worry that it means they are not able to learn or not good enough, this can lead to reduce self esteem and future stress for a child. As parents we can help our children understand that their mistakes are ok, they teach our children valuable lessons for life:
- Accept who they are: understanding that we are not perfect, we all make mistakes in life and that is ok. Rather than put ourselves down accept and love ourselves and know that we are always learning and growing in life.
- Face our fears: Mistakes can be scary at times and it can be hard for us to admit we don’t know how to do things, however when we put our hand up and ask for help we are able to face our fears and grow.
- Accept responsibility - we may want to shift blame to others, however if we can see our part in a mistake it helps us make different choices in the future. Apologising for our part in a mistake also teaches us about responsibility.
- Teach us social skills: Mistakes often show us cause and effect, especially on the playground and with friends. They allow us to understand our intentions and how our actions may impact others. When we make a mistake we have the chance to reflect and make different choices moving forward.
- Encourages exploration: Mistakes help us to examine what has happened, it encourages a curious mind that can reflect and ask questions that can help find solutions to move forward.
When helping your child learn from mistakes it is important to focus only on the mistake that has happened not past mistakes. Praise them for taking responsibility and let them know they are loved unconditionally. Allow your children to be an investigator in their world, help them examine what has happened and find solutions to move forward rather than giving them the answers. When you child overcomes set backs encourage them and celebrate small victories. Mistakes are proof that we are learning in life and help us develop resilience and greater self esteem.
Mrs Rita Maher,
School Counsellor
CatholicCARE Wollongong
35a Cordeaux St, Campbelltown 2560
Phone: 02 4628 0044