Uh Oh!

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)

Brenda Li

The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes: A Story About Growth Mindset for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilie, (Paperback)

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Key item features

• Inspiring Children's Story: This paperback book, "The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes," is designed to boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in children through a growth mindset narrative.
• Award-Winning Author: Written by Brenda Li, the author-illustrator of "The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes," ensuring a consistent and engaging storytelling style.
• Key Life Lessons: The story teaches children the importance of learning from mistakes, developing mental toughness, practicing mindful affirmations, and never giving up on their goals.
• Engaging Narrative: Follows Milo, a boy with a dream of becoming a baker, as he navigates numerous baking mishaps, illustrating the journey of perseverance.
• Educational Focus: Encourages children to keep trying and reminds them that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, promoting calmness and focus.
• Book Specifications: This paperback edition has an ISBN of 9781774470404, was published on 2024-10-08, and contains 34 pages.