OOPS! I MADE A MISTAKE

Already we are up against a society of perfectionism when it comes to raising kids. Many of us feel pressure to be perfect parents and it is likely our kids might feel pressure to be perfect kids. 

The Bright Siders think it's important to let kids know that making mistakes is a natural part of growing up. The key to getting through making a mistake is developing a good attitude about it. 

So…what happens when your child makes a mistake and becomes fixated on it? 

Listen to the “Oops!” skit with your child. Ask your child what happens to Aaron at school that day. See if he or she can recap the skit in his own words. Then listen to the song and pay close attention to the words. They will help in answering the following questions: 
 

ONE

What could we tell Aaron to help him get over making a mistake? How do you use the Bright Siders power of thinking positively to get through making a mistake? (Give your child an example of a time that you made a mistake and the way you were able to move past it). 
 

TWO

What sort of thoughts can you tell your child to help him or her let go of making a mistake and maybe even giving it another try? (Hint: Listen to the song!) A helpful image for children is to visualize is to imagine taking the “Oops! thought” out of their head, putting the mistake on a shelf or in a box, shutting the lid, and replacing the thought or image with something very hopeful or funny. 
 

THREE

At first, the other kids laugh at him when he makes the mistake. If someone makes a mistake, how can help that person? (Hint- maybe laugh with him and not at him!) Using humor with kids is an effective way to lighten the mood and realize that most mistakes are just “no big deal”.