Mistakes. For many kids, even the idea of getting something wrong can send their anxiety skyrocketing. Whether it’s forgetting a homework assignment, spilling a drink, or coloring outside the lines, the fear of messing up can feel overwhelming. Their inner “Anxiety Guard Dog” barks loudly, warning them to aim for perfection and avoid anything that could lead to failure.
But what if you could flip the script? What if you could teach your child that making mistakes isn’t something to fear but something to embrace—and even laugh about? By turning the fear of failure into a playful experience, you can help your child (and their anxious guard dog) relax and realize that life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being perfectly imperfect.
The Problem with Perfectionism
Perfectionism and anxiety often go hand in hand. Kids who fear mistakes may:
- Avoid trying new things altogether.
- Feel paralyzed by decisions, worried they’ll choose “wrong.”
- Get stuck in a cycle of overthinking and second-guessing themselves.
Over time, this anxiety can shrink their world, keeping them from learning, growing, and enjoying life’s messy, imperfect adventures.
The good news? You can help them break free by normalizing mistakes and showing them that life’s greatest joys often come from embracing imperfection.
How to Play the “Get It Wrong” Game
The Get It Wrong game is simple, silly, and incredibly effective. The goal is to intentionally mess things up to show your child that making mistakes is no big deal.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Choose an everyday activity that’s low-stakes and easy to “mess up.” This could be anything from drawing a picture to folding laundry or even setting the table.
Step 2: Take Turns Getting It Wrong
Start by doing the task “wrong” on purpose. For example:
- Draw a tree with purple leaves instead of green.
- Fold the laundry so the socks end up in the shirt pile.
- Set the table with a spoon where the fork should go.
Laugh together at the “mistake” and encourage your child to take a turn doing it their own silly way.
Step 3: Celebrate the Mistakes
Cheer for each other’s “mistakes” and talk about how fun it is to experiment without worrying about being perfect.
Step 4: Reflect
After a few rounds, ask your child how it felt to get something wrong on purpose. Did it make them laugh? Did they feel less anxious? Use this as a moment to reinforce the message: Mistakes don’t define you, and they don’t ruin the fun.
Why This Game Works
- Desensitizes the Fear of Failure
By actively practicing getting things wrong, your child learns that mistakes aren’t dangerous. Their Anxiety Guard Dog starts to relax, realizing there’s no need to bark every time something isn’t perfect. - Shifts the Focus from Outcome to Effort
When your child sees mistakes as a natural part of learning, they’ll start to value effort and curiosity over flawless results. - Builds Resilience
Playing with mistakes helps your child develop a growth mindset. They’ll see that every “wrong” turn is a chance to try again, learn, and grow. - Fosters Connection and Joy
Laughter is a powerful antidote to anxiety. By playing this game together, you’re not just teaching your child a life skill—you’re also creating joyful, lighthearted memories that reinforce your bond.
Bringing Imperfection Into Everyday Life
The Get It Wrong game is just the beginning. Here are some ways to weave the spirit of imperfection into your daily routine:
- Celebrate Mistakes: If your child spills juice or forgets their homework, respond with compassion and humor. Say something like, “Whoops! I’ve done that before too!”
- Model Imperfection: Share your own “oops” moments and laugh about them. For example, “I put the cereal box in the fridge again! Guess my brain was on vacation!”
- Talk About Famous Failures: Share stories of how mistakes led to big successes—like how Post-it Notes were invented by accident or how famous athletes learn more from their losses than their wins.
The Big Picture: Teaching Bravery Through Mistakes
Life is messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully imperfect. By teaching your child to embrace mistakes, you’re giving them the tools to face life with courage, humor, and resilience. You’re showing them that it’s okay to try, stumble, and try again—that the journey matters far more than getting everything “right.”
So, grab a stack of mismatched socks, a box of crayons, or even a recipe to “mess up,” and get ready to play the Get It Wrong game. You might just find that the best memories are made not in perfection, but in the joy of getting it wrong together.
