It’s a rare thing to be perfect at anything the first time; so, as parents and guardians, we constantly try to introduce our children to the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
In fact, the saying can be traced back to an apropos source: The Teacher’s Manual by Thomas H. Palmer written in 1840.
This almost 200 year old phrase carries a lesson that remains just as relevant today. By encouraging children to work hard and persist through challenges, we help shape a generation equipped to achieve future success.
In this article, we explore some practical ways adults can nurture a resilient “try again” mindset in children.
1. How to Set Kids Up for Success with the Right Challenges
As much as we would like to see children succeed on the first try, parents and teachers should not expect kids to be able to do tasks that are too difficult for them.
For instance, giving a child a book to read that is too advanced will cause the children to be frustrated and give up.
Assigning children tasks that match their current skill level is key to fostering independence and confidence. As they work through these tasks on their own, their confidence grows, creating a strong foundation for tackling more difficult challenges. Gradually increasing the difficulty of tasks while encouraging a child to attempt them independently before seeking help helps build resilience and problem-solving skills.
2. Encouraging Kids to Keep Trying with Positive Praise
The right kind of praise plays a crucial role in fostering a “try again” attitude in children.
Parents and teachers can encourage persistence by focusing on the effort kids put into a task rather than just the outcome. For example, phrases like “I knew you could do it if you kept trying!” or “Practice makes perfect” can motivate them to keep going even when faced with challenges. Teaching children to embrace the timeless saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” reinforces the value of perseverance and determination.
3. Why Avoiding ‘Smart’ Praise Builds a Growth Mindset in Kids
Praising children for being “smart” may unintentionally lead them to believe that effort isn’t necessary to succeed. This mindset can limit their willingness to take on challenges, as they might feel their abilities are fixed.
Instead, research shows that adolescents are capable of growing and learning far beyond their perceived limits. Praising effort with phrases like “Your hard work really paid off” or “I can tell you gave it your best” encourages children to embrace challenges and strive for success. Developing a mindset that values effort over innate ability helps kids see that persistence leads to achievement.
4. Letting Children Solve Problems on Their Own
Encourage kids to figure out solutions on their own before stepping in to help.
If a child asks for assistance, guide them with prompts or clues rather than giving the answer outright. This approach teaches problem-solving skills and builds confidence. However, if a child becomes overly frustrated, it’s okay to provide some support to help them regain focus and motivation.
5. Be the Role Model: Demonstrating Persistence for Your Kids
Children learn by example, so adults should model the persistence they want to instill. For instance, if a parent is troubleshooting an issue like a broken internet connection, they should make an effort to resolve it themselves before seeking outside help. Showing determination in tackling challenges demonstrates to kids that effort and persistence lead to results.
By actively encouraging a “try again” attitude, adults can help children develop resilience and a strong work ethic. As these students grow and face new challenges, they’ll be better equipped to persevere and achieve success.
Helping your child build resilience and a love for learning starts today. School is Easy provides personalized tutoring support to empower students to succeed through effort and persistence. Contact us now to learn more!
