8 Ways to Calm Your Child's Brain So They Can Learn from Mistakes

Children will struggle to learn from their mistakes "in the moment" if they are scared or feel disconnected from you.

In order to learn, their brain needs to be in a calm state. So this means WE need to be in a calm state too.

Here are 8 strategies that you can try at home:

1. Model Calmness for yourself after you have made a mistake. This can help you not to react when other make mistakes.

2. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions by letting them know it’s okay to feel upset or frustrated. This helps them feel understood and supported and keeps their brain calm.

3. Encourage Deep Breathing: Teach them to take deep breaths. This can help reduce anxiety and regain composure. You can practice this together by counting breaths. (Just the other day my 2year old said "It's ok mum take a breath.")

4. Reframe the Situation: Help them see mistakes as learning opportunities. Discuss what they can learn from the experience and how it can help them grow.

5. Use Positive Self-Talk: Encourage children to use positive affirmations, such as “It’s okay to make mistakes; I can try again.” This fosters a growth mindset.

6. Create a Safe Space: Establish a calm environment where they can express their feelings without judgment. This can be a quiet corner or a cozy spot in your home.

7. Problem-Solving Together: Guide them through finding a solution to the mistake. This empowers them and shifts the focus from the mistake to constructive action.

8. Reflect Together: After some time has passed, revisit the mistake together. Discuss what went wrong, how they felt, and what they might do differently next time, reinforcing the learning process.

By using these strategies, you can help children develop emotional resilience and learn to cope with mistakes in a healthy way.