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

---

White Noise for Baby Stops Colic Crying Fast

It's true. Colic is MUCH harder on the parent than... Read More

Yikes! My Child WON?T Share! What Do I Do?

Years ago my husband and I attended a parenting class... Read More

Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation

Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a... Read More

Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort

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

How to Choose a Baby Gate

Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen,... Read More

Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children

Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More

Every Baby Shower Needs Great Baby Shower Games!

Games for a baby shower help the baby shower hostess... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Car Seats and Newborn Babies

I remember very clearly the first day we brought our... Read More

Baby Cold Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a... Read More

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

The Reflux / Asthma Connection

Most babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms... Read More

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of... Read More

Heres What to Expect at a Baby Shower

A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More

Hints And Tips On Scrapbooking Baby?s ?Firsts?

It is true to say that a lot of people... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

Babys First Days at Home

The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived:... Read More

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Baby Shower Invitations Ideas

The first thing you need to do before you order... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette

Whether you're hosting a baby shower for the first time... Read More

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but... Read More

Colic Baby Bootcamp - Parent Survival Tips

Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More

Should You Get Baby Shower Game Ideas for Free?

There are quite a few baby shower game ideas for... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More

Baby Products ? Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?

There are many essential baby products a new parent must... Read More

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today... Read More

Bye-Bye Bottle

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

Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies

Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or... Read More

13 Donts on Child Safety

For years, we have been taught that 13 is an... Read More

Potty Training Doll - How Do You Use A Potty Training Doll To Potty Train You Child?

Your heard about using a potty training doll that drinks... Read More