Sounds a bit counterintuitive.
Welcome to the paradox of proactive parenting. When kids are allowed to stumble, scrape their knees—figuratively or literally—and even face moments of what they perceive as an “epic disaster" in their minds, they are not just encountering obstacles; this allows them to build resilience.
Life, after all, is not a straight line but a series of trial-and-error moments in varied moments. Shielding them from failure might feel as if you are being protective, but in reality, it is like bubble wrapping their full potential in life. Take, for example, that moment when your child forgets their homework—despite the gasp-inducing reminder you gave them the night before.
The panic they feel is that they are afraid to admit their mistakes. This will become the birthplace of accountability for them. Alternatively, picture a budding athlete missing the game-winning shot. Sure, it is a bitter pill, but within that moment of failure lies a blueprint for perseverance and the essence of the game and life.
Failure teaches problem-solving, accountability, self-awareness, and the art of getting back up. It gifts an athlete the priceless lesson that the world does not crumble and wither when mistakes are made. In a society obsessed with "winning at all costs," no matter what, letting kids fail encourages them to embrace their imperfections and learn that growth is not found in the trophies or pointless elementary games but in the journey itself. Therefore, parents, put the superhero cape aside for your athlete; allow growth.
Let them trip, let them cry, and then let them shine once they have experienced failure. Trust the process—after all, some of the greatest victories come from the seeds of failure. Remember, you can set the path for them, but it is their walk. “Raise them, don’t Ruin 'them'—Coach G
