How to fail, wisely

Teaching my kids about resilience has made me rethink how I handle failure.

When my kids face challenges—whether it’s learning to ride a bike or dealing with disappointment—I always tell them, “It’s okay to fall. What matters is that you get back up.” But here’s the thing: those words are just as much for me as they are for them.

Fatherhood has made me realize how often I shy away from failure or let self-doubt creep in when things don’t go as planned. Watching my kids struggle, persevere, and try again has inspired me to look at my own failures differently—not as endings, but as opportunities to grow.

Teaching resilience is a two-way street. While I’m helping my kids build their courage, they’re reminding me to practice my own.