Episode 3 – Embracing Mistakes: The Key to Building Resilience

Host: Davina Lyons

Podcast: Resilient Kids: Thriving at Home and in the Classroom

Episode Overview:

Mistakes—big or small—are an inevitable part of life but are also essential for growth and resilience. In this heartfelt and practical episode, Davina Lyons shares two powerful stories from her first year of teaching. She reflects on how those challenging moments shaped her as an educator and a person, and she provides actionable strategies for helping kids (and adults!) view mistakes as opportunities rather than failures.

Why Mistakes Matter:

• Mistakes are stepping stones to growth and resilience. Davina discusses how to turn uncomfortable moments into powerful lessons.
• Two Teaching Stories:

1. A classroom management mishap during a principal evaluation.
2. A failed attempt to create a relaxed standardized testing environment.
3. Both moments ended in tears but led to meaningful changes that transformed her classroom and mindset.

Strategies for Supporting Kids Through Mistakes:

1. Share Your Own Stories: Normalize failure by showing kids that adults make mistakes, too.
2. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Ask reflective questions like, “What did you learn?”
3. Celebrate Effort and Resilience: Acknowledge persistence and the courage to keep trying, even after setbacks.

Key Quote:

• “Mistakes aren’t the end of the road—they’re stepping stones.”

Practical Takeaway:

• This week, reflect on a mistake you’ve made recently. Share what you learned with a child to model resilience and normalize growth through failure.

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In Episode 4, we’ll dive into the art of communication—how to have meaningful conversations with kids and why listening is one of the most powerful tools for connection. Don’t miss it!

Thank You for Listening!

Take care, and keep rising resilient!