Learning From Your Mistakes
When someone else makes a mistake
Your friends, your family and even your teacher might make mistakes sometimes, and these mistakes might upset you. When someone around you makes a mistake, it is important to treat them how you would like to be treated when you are the one who has made the mistake. For example:
- try to be understanding and kind
- let them know that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and that it's important not to get too upset about it
- avoid bringing up mistakes they have made in the past
- help them to see how they could do it better next time
Fixing up mistakes
Most mistakes can't be undone, but they can be fixed or re-done. When you realise that you have made a mistake it helps to think:
- Why did I make that choice?
- Did it turn out how I expected?
- Did this choice make me feel good or bad?
- What can I do to fix it now?
- Do I need to ask for some help to fix it?
- Who should I ask?
- Do I need to apologise to someone for the mistake I made?
- What would I choose next time?
Some mistakes can be fixed and some can't - if you can fix it, that's great, but if you can't, the important thing to do is to think about how you could do things differently next time so that you don't make the same mistake again.
If you would like to talk some more about learning from your mistakes, you can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use our web or email counselling services. We will listen to you and help you work out what might help
Published: 28 July 2010