Comments on: Encourage Kids to Make Mistakes

By: Manjula

Manjula — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:51:49 +0000

Ankit,
Great article,at times I make the very mistake of not letting my kids do small mistakes too.Now I think I have to ignore like many other things which I do until its really not harming them in any way.

Thanks for sharing.

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Beliefs of Beena Kannan: Driving Success of Seematti | Home Of Beliefs — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:18:21 +0000

[...] found herself learning more from the first mistakes that she made because she vowed never to repeat that mistake ever again. Like most succcessful [...]

By: Mayank

Mayank — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:30:26 +0000

Ankit! now u r generalizing the word ‘Mistake’ beyond the scope of this article. In language every word has an inherent feel attached to it. Mistake has a negative connotation and dats true. A mistake can be anything and only a few of them can be deemed as having a positive influence. and at times a mistake can b d last mistake of ur life.. Like touching a naked wire is a mistake. if child is encouraged to do dis mistake, it can b d dead end…

By: Ankit Chadha

Ankit Chadha — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:56:54 +0000

Exactly, Mayank. The problem is that some people perceive mistakes as negative. My purpose to classify the title as “encouraging mistakes” was to make such people think about it. Anything that has a positive influence on your life in the long run can not be negative just because it is viewed as doing things wrong at this moment.

By: Mayank

Mayank — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:01:56 +0000

I agree with ur reply. But the title has a negative connotation – make mistakes – and not a positive attribute – encourage experimentation.

By: Priya

Priya — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:08:32 +0000

“monitoring” does not sound like a great word… But yes, I see your point. I guess as a parent one just needs to create an environment that nurtures trust. You trust them to do the best and they trust you enough to talk to you when they falter.

By: Ankit Chadha

Ankit Chadha — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:24:24 +0000

Yes, there is a need to draw lines. I guess when parents discuss what the child really wants to do, they can together do a goal-setting exercise. Parents can keep monitoring the progress.

By: Ankit Chadha

Ankit Chadha — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:21:27 +0000

Mayank, I understand what you mean. However, I feel the title is apt because:

1. This crucial part of parenting shapes a child’s growth significantly. The title conveys the message strongly to the parents who do not let their child explore and experiment.
2. Children, if not encouraged, can remain unsure about their will to do things. Encouragement communicates that making mistakes is okay. Moreover, encouragement is one of the most constructive forms of love a parent can express.

Does that make sense?

By: Mayank

Mayank — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:19:27 +0000

The post is indeed a pleasure to read. But i think the title is contradictory to normal behavior of both kids and parents. Parents can encourage their kids to take an initiative but not to make a mistake and kids will make mistakes automatically. They dont need encouragement. Other sub heads are more appropriate and make more sense. wat say????

By: Swapna Raghu Sanand

Swapna Raghu Sanand — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:35:50 +0000

Hey Ankit, Awesome post. I agree with Priya. The portions she highlighted were the best portions in your well written article.