How kids can succeed even when they fail
By Gail Belsky
Expert reviewed by Andrew Kahn, PsyD
At a glance
Kids often feel shame when they fail at something.
Failing can be an opportunity for growth.
There are ways to help kids see wins even when they fail.
When kids do poorly on tests, projects, or activities, they can view it as a failure. And if it happens regularly, they can view themselves as a failure. That’s especially true of kids with learning differences or ADHD who have frequent setbacks.
But there are ways for kids to feel success even when they fail or something doesn’t go well. It all depends on how they view and respond to a negative result — both at the time and moving forward.
Kids often feel shame when they fail, instead of thinking about what went well and what went wrong. But failing is really an opportunity for growth and improvement. If kids see it that way and take positive steps, they can find positives in their “failure.”
Here are some of the wins that can come from failing at something:
- Trying new strategies
- Learning about themselves
- Taking risks
- Seeing strengths and challenges
- Self-advocating
- Developing a growth mindset
Kids often need help seeing these positives and understanding how much value they have.
When the adults in their lives point out and celebrate the positives, it can help change how kids feel about themselves and their potential.
Dive deeper
Giving effective praise
Developing a growth mindset
Celebrating self-advocacy
About the author
About the author
Gail Belsky is executive editor at Understood. She has written and edited for major media outlets, specializing in parenting, health, and career content.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Andrew Kahn, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who focuses on ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, behavior challenges, executive function, and emotional regulation.
