🌱 Bouncing Back after Mistakes 🌱

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Parenting Tips

• Activity of the Week

Parenting Tips

Helping Kids Grow Through Mistakes

• Model Making Mistakes Calmly
  Let your child see you make and handle mistakes with humor and patience. Say things like, "Oops! I made a mistake — I’ll try again!"

• Praise Effort, Not Perfection
  Celebrate the trying, not just the result: "I love how hard you worked on that puzzle!" or "You kept trying even when it was tricky — that’s brave!"

• Normalize Mistakes as Part of Learning
  Remind your child that mistakes help our brains grow, and everyone makes them when learning something new.

• Avoid Rushing to Fix It
  Instead of immediately correcting or stepping in, give your child space to think about what they might try differently next time.

• Use Gentle Language
  Swap harsh words like "wrong" or "bad" for supportive phrases like, "Let’s figure out another way," or "What can we learn from this?"

Spotlight on Resources

“I Can Try Again” Mirror Affirmations

When children hear encouraging words from trusted adults, it helps. But when they learn to say and believe those words themselves, it becomes an inner voice they can carry throughout life. Practicing affirmations while looking in the mirror helps reinforce that these messages come from within and are true for them.

_{Materials Needed:}

A mirror (bathroom mirror, small hand mirror, or standing mirror)
Sticky notes or dry-erase markers (optional)
Crayons or markers for decorating (optional)

1. Introduce the Idea
   Explain to your child that just like superheroes have superpowers, they have words they can say to feel strong inside — especially when things are hard or when they make mistakes.

2. Write or Choose Affirmations Together
   Brainstorm simple, age-appropriate affirmations such as:

   • “I can try again.”

   • “I learn from my mistakes.”

   • “I am brave and strong.”

   • “I can keep going.”

   Write them on sticky notes or directly on the mirror with a dry-erase marker.

3. Practice in the Mirror
   Stand together in front of the mirror. Have your child say each affirmation out loud while looking at their reflection. Encourage them to smile or place a hand on their heart for an added connection

4. Make it a Routine
   Incorporate this practice into a regular routine — after brushing teeth in the morning or before bedtime — to help make it a comforting habit.

5. Reflect Together
   After saying the affirmations, ask:

   • “How did that feel in your body?”

   • “What was your favorite phrase?”

   • “When do you think you could say this to yourself?”

_{Bonus Variation:}

Create an “Affirmation Star” — a paper star where your child writes their favorite affirmation. Hang it near the mirror as a reminder of their inner strength.