Children are naturally curious, but fear of making mistakes can prevent them from exploring new activities, developing skills, and discovering their interests. New research suggests that parents are increasingly concerned about how the pressure to get things right is affecting children’s creativity, confidence, and willingness to try.
More than half of parents (56%) say their children avoid creative activities because they are afraid of “getting it wrong,” according to new research from Ben’s Original. The survey of 2,000 UK parents with children ages 5 to 13 also found that 84% believe today’s children face more pressure than previous generations.
Social media and comparisons with other children may be contributing to the problem. Nearly half of parents (47%) say seeing seemingly perfect creations on social media affects their children’s confidence, while 42% believe comparisons with siblings add to the pressure.
Parents are also concerned that children have fewer opportunities to explore their creativity, with 75% worrying that homework, screen time, and busy schedules leave little room for creative activities. As parenting expert Sue Atkins explains, children need opportunities to experiment and have fun without worrying about getting everything right.
Why Do Children Develop a Fear of Failure?
Children may begin fearing mistakes after experiencing repeated criticism, embarrassment or comparisons with others. These experiences can make children anticipate failure before they even attempt something new.
For some children, including those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning differences, everyday challenges can already feel overwhelming. When mistakes become associated with shame or feeling inadequate, children may avoid activities rather than risk experiencing those emotions again.
This fear can manifest in different ways, including refusing to participate in games, becoming upset when something isn’t perfect, or giving up before trying. As Parent’s Domain explains, “Sometimes what looks like defiance is actually protection.”
How Parents Can Help Kids Overcome Their Fear
One of the best ways parents can help is by talking through their children’s worries rather than immediately trying to fix the problem. Ask what the child is afraid might happen and help them understand that making mistakes is a normal part of learning.
Parents should also share their own experiences with failure and demonstrate how they recover from mistakes. According to parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson, “Failure is not the enemy; it’s failure to try.”
Finally, celebrate effort rather than just successful outcomes. Encourage children to practice new skills, recognize their willingness to try, and remind them that they don’t need to be perfect to make progress.
