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Overcoming Mistakes
Ways to make kids' mistakes less upsetting.
Children may be excited to try many new things, but they can feel disappointed when situations don’t go their way. As kids learn how to control their emotions, making mistakes will be less upsetting.
If you notice kids struggling with mistakes, here are some ways to respond:
- Assure them that mistakes are part of learning, and that everyone makes mistakes—even you!
- Remind kids that the way to get better at something is to practice doing it. Talk about other things they’ve gotten good at because they practiced.
- Give kids a superhero name and let them know they have the power to figure things out. When they get upset about a mistake, say, “This sounds like a job for [child’s superhero name]!”
- When you confront your own mistakes, try to manage your emotions. Let kids hear you say aloud as you solve a problem, “First I’ll do this, then I’ll do…”
![Julia and Julia's family helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-HelpingHomeNeighbohood-667x500.jpg)
Helping at Home, Helping the Neighborhood
Little acts can make a big difference.
![Printable Helping Caring.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-HelpingCaring-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Helping and Caring
Use this checklist with children to set small goals together and help your community!
![Printable Julias Community Mural.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-JuliasCommunityMural-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Julia’s Community Mural
There are so many ways to be kind, caring, and helpful in our communities!
![Little Neighbors Can Do Big Things.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-LittleNeighborsBigThings-667x500.jpg)
Little Neighbors Can Do Big Things
A new friend joins the Little Neighbors Club!
![Printable Playground Helpers.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Printable-PlaygroundHelpers-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Playground Helpers
Help the Twiddlebugs find their lost materials to build their playground!
![Abby and Maggie Cadabby helping the community.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PSEG-Video-LittleHelpersBigHelping-667x500.jpg)
Little Helpers, Big Helping
Kids are never too little to make a big difference!
![A Grown-up and child helping out in a community garden.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Webinar_LittleNeighbors-667x500.jpg)
Little Neighbors: Fostering Community Connection, Engagement, and Exploration