Playing the Long Game

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The importance of valuing the process and allowing children to try and fail in order for them to learn and grow. Tips for reducing anxiety and practicing self-compassion as parents are provided. The concept of being a 'warm demander' is introduced, emphasizing the benefits of setting high expectations while giving children space to find their own solutions.

It's tempting to tie a child's shoe lace, tidy their rooms or help with their science projects - to see that these tasks are done right - but parents are depriving their kids of the valuable experience of falling, failing, and f-ing up.

Former Stanford dean Julie Lythcott-Haims says these "f words" are vital for children if they are to grow into happy, capable and autonomous adults. While Yale psychologist Julia Leonard warns that interfering too often in a child's life can actually teach them that trying isn't even worth the effort.