Failure Is an Option

When to Step In

You can't shield your child from every little setback, but there are times when she'll need your help.

If failing would cause him tremendous humiliation. When your child forgets his costume for the school play, don't teach him a lesson in responsibility. Bring it to him.

If your child is in danger. Just because her friends are advanced swimmers doesn't mean you should let your beginner go into the deep end.

If he's being bullied. One snide remark at the playground isn't cause for alarm, but intervene if you see continuous teasing or excluding that visibly upsets your child.

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Originally published in the November 2010 issue of Parents magazine.