Trying is winning
1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingNo materials needed
When your child attempts any task, like stacking blocks or putting on shoes, celebrate the effort immediately. Say "You tried so hard" or "Look at you working on that." Focus your praise on the attempt rather than the outcome. This helps your child see effort itself as valuable, building resilience when things don't work perfectly the first time.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
When your child attempts any task, like stacking blocks or putting on shoes, celebrate the effort immediately. Say "You tried so hard" or "Look at you working on that." Focus your praise on the attempt rather than the outcome. This helps your child see effort itself as valuable, building resilience when things don't work perfectly the first time.
Why It Works
Celebrating effort rather than just success teaches children to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Research shows that perseverance and optimism significantly predicted achievement and mastery goals, with students who maintained optimistic dispositions showing greater resilience (Ng, 2022). By praising attempts, you help your toddler develop persistence and the belief that trying leads to good outcomes.
Tips for Parents
Notice and comment on effort before your child gets frustrated.
Use specific praise. Instead of just "good job," say "You kept trying with that block."
Stay calm if the task doesn't succeed. Say "You can try again" in a positive tone.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Language-Rich EnvironmentImitation and Modeling
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