Mistakes happen.
As adults, we know this to be true because we have all made mistakes–small ones as well as large ones. And optimally we have learned from those mistakes and we don't repeat them.
For young children, however, we need to teach them about mistakes–how to process them, and to learn from them in a positive way.
The important lesson is that we all make mistakes. And those mistakes are not the end of the world. Try framing them as learning opportunities. Give an example of a mistake you made. I forgot to check my calendar. So I missed my appointment. Next time I will check my schedule every day. Or I didn't bring my list to the store so I didn't buy the right ingredients I needed for dinner. Instead I ended up making something different, using the ingredients I had at home. Examples like these demonstrate how to admit a mistake and pivot to a way to "fix" it.
If your child feels badly about a mistake they've made, be positive and supportive. Emphasize that there is no shame in making a mistake. Point out that the effects were minimal. The message is to use the event as an opportunity to learn and to avoid making that same mistake. A cheerful, supportive reaction will go a long way.
And, of course, reaching for books about the topic is a wonderful way to reinforce the message. Here are some books that can support you in showing your child how they can learn from a mistake and turn it into a good experience.
Ask the children's librarian at your public library or your school librarian to recommend books about the topic. Here are some books you might want to request.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzman (Workman Kids)
It's OK to Make Mistakes by Patricia Murphy (Sesame Workshop)
Mistakes Help Me Grow by M.K Lucas (published independently)
Mistakes Make Me Stronger by Djedje Dial (published independently)
Toad On the Go by Jashar Awan (Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada)
