How do I help my child deal with feeling embarrassed about mistakes? 

Parenting Perspective 

Mistakes Are Part of Learning 

Many children feel deeply embarrassed when they make mistakes, especially in front of teachers or classmates. This fear can cause them to stay quiet, hide their work, or stop trying altogether. Helping your child see that mistakes are not shameful, but are in fact a normal part of learning, will build their confidence and resilience. Start by telling your child clearly: ‘Everyone makes mistakes. They do not make you bad or silly; they help you learn something new.’ 

Normalise Mistakes and Praise Effort 

Share gentle examples from your own life: ‘When I was at school, I made mistakes too, but every single one taught me something.’ Use small stories or books where characters make mistakes and find better ways next time. You can practise phrases they can say to themselves, such as, ‘It is okay to make a mistake. I will try again.’ Teach your child that it is better to ask for help than to hide their errors. Praise their effort more than their results: ‘I am proud of you for trying, even when you were unsure.’ Over time, these small reminders help your child to feel safe enough to learn out loud, not just when they know the answer, but also when they are still figuring things out. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that no one is perfect except Allah Almighty. Our mistakes are a reminder for us to stay humble and to keep seeking guidance. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verse 53: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): O my servants, those of you who have transgressed against yourselves (by committing sin); do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah (Almighty); indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall forgive the entirety of your sins; indeed, He is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful.‘

Share this with your child to show them that making mistakes does not make them worthless; Allah Almighty loves a heart that admits its faults and keeps trying. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4251, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who sin are those who repent. ‘

Although this Hadith speaks of sins, the lesson applies to small faults too; what matters is that we recognise our mistakes and grow from them. Teach your child to make a simple Dua when they feel embarrassed: ‘Ya Allah, help me learn from my mistakes and feel strong inside.’ Over time, this gentle spiritual reminder will help your child see that mistakes do not define them; they are part of their journey to becoming wiser, braver, and closer to Allah Almighty.