Let Them See the Whole Story
Paternal Precept #005
It’s easy to say “mistakes are how we learn.”
It’s harder to live that truth when our pride’s on the line.
When something goes wrong, many of us default to deflection, distraction, or defeat. But in those moments, our children are watching—and learning.
They need to see that trying again isn’t something to fear. That failure doesn’t mean the story’s over.
As Jessica Lahey writes in The Gift of Failure:
“When your kids see you stretch yourself, even if you fail in the process, they will be more likely to stretch themselves. Better yet, let them see you continue to stretch yourself after you fail so they will understand that failing at a task does not mean that the person is a failure.”
Our kids learn persistence from how we behave when things fall apart. They learn resilience by watching us keep going. They learn courage by watching us stretch.
So when you stumble—don’t hide it. Try again.
Let them see the whole story.