Failure. Just hearing that word can send shivers down the spine. As someone who once struggled with perfectionism, I can relate to the fear it brings. I remember a time in third grade when I dramatically pretended to run away from home after receiving a C on a test—not because my parents pressured me, but due to my own internalized dread of failing. I convinced myself that failure equated to being unlovable, leading to some rather theatrical thoughts.
Throughout my life, the fear of not succeeding made me physically ill before anything that could possibly end in failure. I would feel queasy for days leading up to tests, races, interviews, and even dates. It was a draining way to live, and unsurprisingly, I encountered failure time and time again. Each setback led to self-criticism, which in turn caused me to shy away from challenges altogether. This fear ultimately steered me into a career I was capable in but lacked passion for.
Then, everything changed when I became a parent. As I dove into the intricacies of raising children, I discovered that failure is not just inevitable; it’s essential. We can’t shield our kids from every hardship or disappointment. While the instinct to protect them is strong, we need to allow them the space to stumble and rise again. That’s how they learn to make wiser choices and grow into independent individuals.
Learning from Failure
Consider the inspiring story of Kelly Mason, a successful entrepreneur who built her own thriving business. Kelly often shares how her father made it a point to celebrate her failures at the dinner table. Instead of ignoring or criticizing her missteps, they were acknowledged and discussed openly. If she didn’t have a failure to share each week, her dad encouraged her to take more risks.
I wish I could say I’ve reached a state of complete indifference toward failure, but that may not be humanly possible. I still aim to excel in my endeavors and find myself battling negative thoughts when things don’t go as planned. The echoes of past failures linger like a sore tooth that I can’t help but poke at.
Now, I sit down with my kids and share the highs and lows of our days, including our failures. We explore the reasons behind their choices and how they might approach things differently next time. Sometimes they groan, “Oh, come on, Mom! We get it; we’ll fail again tomorrow!”
So, for the sake of your children, allow them to make mistakes and face the consequences of their decisions. Fear of failure should not have a place in their lives. One day, as they navigate their own paths, they might just thank you for instilling this valuable lesson.
Further Reading
For more insights, you can check out our other blog post on home insemination. For authoritative guidance on self-insemination, visit CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit, and for a deeper understanding of the genetics involved in parenting, look into the Genetics and IVF Institute.
Summary
Embracing failure is crucial in parenting, as it allows children to learn and grow from their mistakes. By discussing failures openly and encouraging risk-taking, we can help them become independent and resilient individuals.