To provide the support and encouragement a child needs, you must first understand what the real meaning of the child's experience involves. Failure should be viewed as unavoidable and as a learning experience. Your child may be viewing the failure as letting you down or as proof that he or she will never succeed. Appropriate questions can be asked to avoid negative reactions and help guide the child toward positive growth. Failure and setbacks are opportunities to learn.
Successful people try to evaluate the outcome rather than focus on the win or loss.
Follow these questions with more encouragement to try new experiences. When your child experiences a failure, assure the child that it's OK to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of life. Be ready to share some of your mistakes as well. Affirm the child's feelings.