As parents, one of our most important roles is to help our children succeed—not just by providing for them, but by preparing them for the challenges of life. Yet, in our desire to protect them, we often fall into the trap of solving every problem they face or cushioning every fall. While this comes from a place of love and care, it can unintentionally breed complacency.
The truth is that no one cares about our well-being more than we do. When children grow up with the belief that someone else—whether it’s a parent, teacher, or society at large—will always swoop in to rescue them, they begin to lose sight of their own ability to handle adversity. This creates a dangerous mindset: “Why try if someone else will fix it for me?”
The best way to equip children for success is to allow them to fail. Failure isn’t a bad thing—it’s a powerful teacher. When children face the natural consequences of their actions, they develop resilience, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills. These experiences foster self-reliance and a strong work ethic, which will serve them far beyond childhood.
Of course, this doesn’t mean abandoning them or being harsh. It means creating a healthy environment where they are supported, but not coddled. It means encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
If we cushion every setback, we risk raising a generation that believes success or failure is someone else’s responsibility. Instead, we should teach our children that their destiny lies in their own hands. While it’s tempting to always be the safety net, the truth is, sometimes the best lesson they can learn is the one that comes from a fall.
