Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of the 'fear of failure flu?'

Early symptoms include sweaty palms and a knot in the stomach. Those in the middles stages of the 'disease' have an intense focus on 'resume building' -- children's activities are no longer for fun but become accomplishments that will somehow separate some important future application from the rest of the pack. A form of paralysis (that keeps kids from trying new things at which they might not instantnly excel) is a symptom only visible in the later stages of the disease.

Parents who want to teach kids to value effort for its own sake start with themselves. They start with their own fears. Everyone fails from time to time; when we don't it's often because we're not stretching far enough!

To vaccinate your kids agains the 'fear of failure flu' a careful self examination may be in order. After all, to thrive, a virus needs a carrier and a hospitable environment. As parents, it's importnat that we take steps to make sure we're not 'carriers' of the very behavior we're trying to help our kids avoid!

For example, if you're too hard on yourself when you 'come up short' do you hide that fact from your children? Could you, instead, share the fact that you -- and they -- are human beings with a lot to learn and there will always be times in life when we fail at something we care about? There is strength in learning to view setbacks as learning.

Which outlook is supported by the environment that your kids are in?

Andrea Patten, LADC is the co-author of What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement now available on Amazon.com

For more information about the Four Foundations, or to book Andrea to speak to your group, please visit http://www.whatkidsneedtosucceed.com

---

Basic Guide To Choosing Toys For Babies

A baby's only activities until the age of two months... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More

Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?

As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More

Baby Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

Scheduling Your Baby Naming Ceremony - the Right Time Makes All the Difference

If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

Reading to Children ? Are We Doing It Right?

Setting the Stage - Reading is One of the Big... Read More

Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three

No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More

Bye-Bye Bottle

It's finally time. My child is old enough to be... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More

How to Meet the Dietary Needs of Babies ? Health, Palate, and Lifestyle

More and more studies are proving that food has a... Read More

Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort

One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More

Quality Baby Strollers Should Last for Years

The baby carriage or buggy has come along way. Thanks... Read More

Tips for Discreet Breastfeeding in Public

If you're a new Mom who is nursing your baby... Read More

Important Car Seat Statistics

Installing a car seat correctly is the most important thing... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Mobiles For Babies Can Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Mobiles are well known for its effectiveness in capturing and... Read More

Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, I... Read More

How To Get Your Baby into Baby Modeling?

Parents everywhere believe that they have the cutest baby in... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

Baby Crib Advice and Tips

Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More

Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More

Baby Shower Favor Ideas

With so many different aspects of a shower to plan,... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains... Read More