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While the traditional approach often involves shielding kids from failure and overprotecting them, there’s a growing movement advocating for a different path: letting kids fail
In a world that increasingly values independence and critical thinking, raising children who can stand on their own two feet and navigate an uncertain future is paramount.
Yet, amidst a sea of well-intentioned advice, one controversial approach stands out: letting kids fail. Is it a recipe for disaster or a bold strategy for success?
For many parents, the instinct to shield their children from failure is strong. After all, no one wants to see their child struggle or suffer the consequences of their mistakes.
However, a growing chorus of experts and parents is challenging this traditional mindset, arguing that failure is a necessary stepping stone to raising independent thinkers.
The Benefits of Allowing Kids to Fail
In Jessica Lahey’s book, The Gift of Failure, she highlights a crucial point: our well-intentioned efforts to shield children from failure may hinder their success. By removing every obstacle and discomfort, we deny them the essential lessons of resourcefulness, persistence, innovation, and resilience that setbacks and mistakes provide.
So, what’s a better approach? Parenting for autonomy—fostering independence and self-reliance. Failure, rather than an adversary, becomes a teacher. When children stumble, they gain valuable insights into perseverance, adaptability, and self-reflection—critical for personal growth and achievement.
Consider this: Thomas Edison, the light bulb inventor, once quipped, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His unwavering persistence and embrace of failure ultimately led to groundbreaking innovations.
The Disadvantages of Allowing Kids to Fail
Candice Watters, a wife, mom, and writer, expresses her reservations about articles that focus on teaching children independence. She believes that what kids truly need is not more lessons in independence, but parents who are willing to invest the effort in teaching them responsibility.
While children need to learn life skills during the 18 years they are under our care, the ultimate goal should not be complete independence. Instead, parents should encourage their children to take initiative and accomplish tasks on their own, while still providing guidance and support.
True independence, as defined by the dictionary, means being “free from outside control” and not relying solely on another’s authority. This concept lies at the heart of American culture. She adds “But just when Jr. is 16 and asking for the keys to the car and you’re thinking, Praise be, I don’t have to drive him around anymore!, is the time he needs your intentional discipleship to finish the work of preparing him for adulthood.”
Insights from an L.A. Concierge Psychologist
Dr. Crystal I. Lee, a licensed Psychologist in Los Angeles shares his insights.
Knowing When to Step Aside and Give Them Space
Some young people adopt a minimalist approach, skating with minimal effort. However, they often need to learn the hard way and this strategy leads to poor grades.
As parents, we can allow them room to experience the consequences of their choices. Yet, there are critical moments when the stakes are higher—such as repeating coursework or attending summer school.
When Not to Let Them Fail
Parenting involves navigating the delicate balance of intervention. While you may be tempted to ease your child’s social challenges, remember that they learn best through lived experiences.
Your lifetime of relationships provides valuable wisdom, but sometimes, stepping back and allowing them to face their challenges is the most effective way for them to learn. Only in cases of serious red flags should you consider direct intervention.
To implement this approach effectively:
- Normalize Failure: Teach kids that it’s okay to fail and that mistakes are part of growth.
- Encourage Exploration: Let them try new things, even if it means stumbling along the way.
- Reflect and Learn: After a failure, discuss what went wrong and how to improve next time.
Conclusion: Letting Kids Fail
In the journey of raising independent thinkers, letting kids fail is a controversial yet powerful approach. By embracing failure, we equip our children with the tools they need to thrive in a complex world.
So, as parents, let’s redefine success and celebrate the lessons learned from falling—because sometimes, it’s in those moments that our kids truly learn to soar.
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