Be a goldfish

Setbacks are part of the learning process. Remind your child that one small setback shouldn’t derail the whole day, week, or school term! It’s one data point. Challenges are simply opportunities in disguise. A bad grade or a missing assignment doesn’t define their NEXT step. The adults in our students’ lives need to emphasize resilience. 

In the hit Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso, Coach Lasso taught his team the importance of being able to move on from a setback by urging them to “be a goldfish.” Goldfish, he explained, are the happiest animals on earth because they have a 10-second memory. 

One of the most important skills we can teach our students is the ability to bounce back after a stumble. So, rather than dwelling on a tough day, take a moment with your child to reflect on what happened and then use it as an opportunity to grow. Your child’s journey to academic success is marked by their ability to understand the setback and then make their next step a step back onto the path to success.