Many in society have a negative reaction to failure. Individuals who learn how to turn failure into a learning opportunity will have a better chance of being successful in the future.
It takes tremendous courage and emotional strength to say that “failure is my friend.” Everyone experiences failures or setback almost on a weekly base if not on a daily base. Life does not go smoothly 100% of the time. Learning to embrace those failures and/or setback is an instrumental component to one’s mental and emotional health.
As humans, we must learn to never take failure or setbacks personally. Having the proper mindset to turn a failure into a positive is a skillful art which anyone with proper training and the right team of mentors can master.
Most adults heard their parents say, “be careful who you hang out with.” The older we get the more we understand this concept. Imagine if you had grasped this concept as a child how much further along in life you might be. One’s choice of friends is key reason someone gets involved with dangerous drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.
Imagine having a team of highly trained mentors who gently and gradually guide your child to become the best version of themselves by learning to embrace failure. Learning that is ok to make mistakes and how important it is to learn from those mistakes and failures.
Quest mentors guide students through this very concept in every class. Students are gently pushed out of their comfort zones to strive to try more challenging activities and tasks. As a child realizes it is not necessary to be successful on the first try or even 100th try, he/she will not be so frustrated and will not be so willing to give up when the going gets tough. They will develop the “Yes, I Can!” attitude.
It is not about if life will get tough? It is when life gets tough, will your child have the necessary tools to be successful and overcome the challenges.
One of the ultimate goals of the Quest Program, is for our students to never take a mistake or failure personally. We want our students to learn to stand by up and say “Yes, I Can!” Greatest is inside every person. It just needs to be carefully pulled out of every student in a kind and nurturing manner.
Your child’s mentor’s matter. Just like your child’s friend’s matter. The most important thing you can do as a parent is make sure your child can have the right tools, and mentors to have the best chance to be successful in the game of life.
Here are 3 things to consider when choosing a mentor for your child.
- Make sure your child’s mentor is skilled in helping children develop life skills.
- Make sure your child’s mentor empowers children to make positive choices.
- Make sure your child’s mentor encourages children to take ownership for their learning.
Remember, not all mentors are created equal. Just like not all doctors, dentists, attorney’s, and schoolteachers are equally qualified. Your child’s mentors should be living the life skills he/she is teaching. They should be making good choices and they should lead by example.
It is easier now than every before to do research on your child’s mentors using social media posts and internet searches. A little prep work prior to selecting an activity for your child can make a world of difference. It takes a village to raise a strong confident child and to turn that child into a strong confident independent adult. Choose your child’s sport and arts mentors carefully.
Add you own ideas about what to look for in a good mentor for your child. We love to hear your feedback and you may help a fellow parent make a better choice for his/her child.