You Messed Up - That's Great!
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Angelina sat down to tie her shoe. She made the loops, first one, then two. But as she tried to bring them around, they came all undone, and she began to frown... Her mommy said, "You messed up, that's great! It means you weren't afraid to try! The more you practice and believe in yourself, the sooner you'll be to tie!" So Angelina practiced. She practiced her hardest all day. She messed some more, but smiled to her core, because she knew she was on her way!
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About the Book
My goal is to help parents and caregivers understand how important it is to honor and support our kids’ efforts to try new things—even if they fail! Life is not meant to be a neat and tidy experience—it is to be explored and used, trialed and triumphed. Too often, children and adults alike don’t try new things, even things that interest them, because they are afraid they won’t be good enough. Let’s start encouraging our children, and ourselves, to step out of our comfort zones and seek new adventures. It is time that we applaud our failures for what they really are—symbols of the courage to try. With a little patience and persistence, who knows what adventures lie ahead? Your friend and fellow parent, Heather Hamilton
About the Author
Heather Hamilton is a chiropractor but left her career once her first child was born, to become a full time mom. She is now a busy and happy mother of three. When her oldest daughter, Ryley, was only 3 years old, she would get very upset when she messed up at anything. Whether it be drawing pictures, learning to swing, or helping mommy fold the laundry, if Ryley didn't get it right the first time, she would never want to try again. Heather knew she had to come up with something to help her daughter. The next time Ryley messed up, before she had the chance to get discouraged, Heather shouted, "Did you just mess up?? That's great!! It means you weren't afraid to try!" At first, Ryley didn't know what to think. She looked confused. Surprisingly thereafter, Ryley began looking for failures that she could show her mommy. She learned to become proud of the courage it took her to just try new things. And like magic, she began accomplishing things that she set out to do with a lot more ease and fun. It was this journey between mother and daughter that led to the inspiration to create this book. Heather Hamilton lives in Huntington Beach, California, with her three children. Frequently throughout the year, they can all be found loving the island life in Maui, their cherished home away from home.