Limor Jasinski, a Mindset Coach for Kids and Teens based in Warsaw, the founder of Wisdom Kids Academy, on how to help children grow through their mistakes

Have you ever snapped at your child after they made a mistake—and then wished you’d handled it differently?

It happens to all of us. The heat of the moment, the frustration, the raised voice… followed by that sinking feeling of regret. But what if there was another way? A way that doesn’t just avoid punishment or yelling but actually turns the mistake into an opportunity for growth. For both of you. What if every mistake could be a doorway to something deeper, such as self-awareness, emotional resilience, and leadership?

Let me share a story that unfolded in my own home not long ago.

It was a regular school day, nothing dramatic on the radar. During break time, students in my son’s class were allowed to play quietly using their iPads or phones. While his friend stepped out, my son decided—without asking—to pick up that friend’s iPad and play a game. He lost the game for him, won it back, and then lost again. At first glance, it seemed harmless enough. But the problem? He didn’t have permission.

When his friend returned and found out what he had done, the friend, understandably, felt upset and betrayed. He decided not to speak to my son for the rest of the day.

That evening, my son came home quiet and withdrawn. Eventually, he opened up and told me the whole story, his voice low, shoulders hunched, heart heavy with shame. He already knew he had made a bad choice. And as he started to spiral into self-beat-up, I gently interrupted the pattern.
We sat down together, and I said: “You made a mistake – a bad choice. Now, what can you learn from it?” Because that’s the truth, isn’t it?

So why is learning to manage mistakes so essential?

Research from Stanford University has shown that children who are taught to view mistakes as opportunities for growth (rather than signs of failure) develop stronger problem-solving skills, greater perseverance, and higher self-esteem. Mistakes, when properly guided, actually fuel confidence and courage.

Here are 4 ways to help your child manage mistakes in a healthy way:

Normalize Mistakes as Part of Life
Remind your child that mistakes are not only allowed—they’re expected. Share stories from your own childhood (or even yesterday) where you made a poor choice and learned something from it. This builds emotional safety and connection.
Pause Before Reacting
When your child confesses or is caught in a mistake, your first response matters more than anything. Instead of scolding or rushing to consequences, breathe. Say, “Thank you for telling me,” or “Let’s talk about what happened.” The goal is reflection, not reactivity.
Teach Them the Art of Repair
Many kids don’t know how to make things right—because we were never taught either. Model and guide them through it:

Apologize sincerely
Take responsibility without excuses
Ask what they can do to repair or make amends
This gives your child a script for accountability—and the courage to use it.

Focus on the Lesson, Not the Label
Your child is not “bad” or “naughty.” They made a mistake. Shift the focus from who they are to what they’ve learned. This preserves their self-worth while still holding them accountable. Growth comes from self-awareness, not shame.

Back to my son: after our talk, he understood that the real power wasn’t in hiding or denying what happened, it was in owning it.
The next day, he approached his friend, apologized, acknowledged what he had done, and offered to make it right. Then he said, “Let’s go play football.” His friend accepted, and just like that, the emotional storm passed because my son had faced it with courage.

This, to me, is leadership in its real and powerful form.

And here’s the part many parents and educators miss:

Our kids aren’t born with these skills. They don’t automatically know how to handle regret, repair relationships, or turn a hard moment into a growth opportunity.

Most of us weren’t taught this as kids either. But thankfully, we know better now—and we can give our children the mindset tools to respond with emotional strength and self-trust.

As a certified youth mindset and confidence coach, I teach children these exact tools through story-based coaching, role-play, and activities that help them internalize life lessons like this one.

If this story resonated with you…
If you saw your child somewhere in this narrative or yourself as a parent, teacher, or mentor, I want you to know you’re not alone.

Your child doesn’t need perfection. They need guidance, understanding, and the right support system to build the life skills that truly matter.

And that’s where I come in. Visit www.wisdomkidsacademy.com to book a free consultation with me. Let’s work together to help your child build confidence from the inside out, starting with how they manage mistakes. Every child deserves to grow up knowing that one bad choice doesn’t define them; what defines them is what they choose to do next.

About the Author

Limor Jasinski – the founder of Wisdom Kids Academy in Poland, and a fervent advocate for children’s development. A Tel Aviv native, Limor’s journey in nurturing young minds began early in her career when she worked as a caretaker for children, revealing her innate connection with them. This connection sparked a lifelong passion that led her across continents, from the welcoming communities of Canada to the enchanting landscapes of Poland and Warsaw.

Limor holds over a decade of experience in coaching, starting with her certification from TUT Coaching College and followed by advanced training at the Robbins-Madanes Training program in the U.S. She further honed her skills by earning a Practitioner of Excellence certificate from The Strategic Intervention Coaching Institute and becoming a certified Wisdom life coach for kids through Adventures in Wisdom.

At Wisdom Kids Academy, Limor uses the WISDOM System for Coaching Kids™, a part of the Adventures in Wisdom™ Curriculum. This innovative program, which includes 27 specially designed books, has been adopted by life coaches in over 30 countries to develop personal growth and leadership skills in children and teens. Limor’s curriculum focuses on essential life skills like resilience, self-esteem, and overcoming fears through compelling storytelling, enabling kids to confidently face life’s challenges.

Limor takes pride in her role as a coach, inspiring greatness and encouraging each child to dream big and develop a robust mindset for overcoming any obstacle. Under her guidance, children at Wisdom Kids Academy embark on a transformative journey of growth and discovery, unlocking their potential and achieving their goals with confidence and excitement. Connect with Limor: limor@wisdom-kidsacademy.com, Instagram, Facebook. Wisdom Kids Academy’s website in English.

Wisdom Kids Academy’s services

Explore our full range of offerings and real-life success stories on our website: wisdom-kidsacademy.com. Interested in personalized coaching or engaging workshops for schools and parents? We cover various topics of growth mindset, such as Strengthening Self-Confidence and Making Good Decisions. How do you instill values and self-responsibility at home? Visit us to learn more and share your experiences. Together, let’s enrich our parenting skills and empower our children for a brighter future!

Testimonial from a Courageous Young Climber: “I was always scared of heights, like really scared, but Miss Limor changed all that! After just one session with her, where she taught me these four cool steps to manage my fear, I felt like I could do anything. And you know what? I went rock climbing! At first, I was like, ‘Oh no, what if I fall?’ But then I remembered what Miss Limor said, ‘You can do it, you have what it takes, you’re safe, and everything’s going to be okay.’ So, I talked to myself, just like she taught me, and I did it! I climbed higher and higher, and it was amazing! I came back jumping with joy because I overcame my fear of heights. Thank you, Miss Limor, for helping me feel so happy and brave! – A beaming young adventurer”