No one likes to make mistakes, but for some of us, the fear that comes with making a mistake can be paralyzing. “What To Do When Mistakes Make You Quake” by Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD and Claire A.B. Freeland, PhD guides children through a process of self-acceptance and, to some extent, joy in making mistakes as a way to grow.

This book has many examples of ways that kids might fall apart when they make mistakes. There are an equal number of strategies to help kids cope with those mistakes. I really liked the Oops, Yikes, and Shucks mistakes. For example, an Oops mistake is one where you might say the wrong word because you’re talking too fast. The book also talks about the dangers of black and white thinking. The book is interactive with many opportunities to write and draw about those times when mistakes have made you fearful. It also has opportunities to identify self-care tips that will work.

At the beginning of the book there is a guide for adults to help the children in their care.

This book is great for kids and their adults who tend to let mistakes or fear of mistakes hold them back from adventures they want to have.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Magination Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My kiddo (10) isn't what I would describe as a perfectionist, but he does sometimes have trouble accepting mistakes, and he seemed to get a lot out of this book. It's clear and easy to understand, with lots of cute illustrations and engaging exercises and questions that make you really think about things.

I would recommend it to any kid who has trouble accepting mistakes. The stories used to frame the concepts, of being an explorer, going on journeys, etc, really work to highlight why it's important to be able to let ourselves risk making mistakes.

I highly recommend this entire series and this is no exception.

*Thanks to Magination Press for providing an early copy for review.

This revised edition in the series covers making mistakes. The examples are clearly written and easy for children to relate to, with worksheets, activities, reflection questions, and case examples distributed throughout. An excellent addition to a school library or public library as a support for teachers and parents who have children struggling with fear of making mistakes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley.

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but I have nothing on my eldest daughter. I have to give Alex credit: She didn’t start crying until she got off the bus and inside the house. She sobbed about being an idiot because she had gotten a mere 90% on an exam. Amazed, I told her that most of my students would kill for a 90%. (I taught high school at the time, and Alex was in high school at the time.)

Readers, I wish that I could say that Alex (and I) have put our perfectionism behind us. Alas, I cannot. While we both have improved (I more than she), we both still quake when we make mistakes. What I wouldn’t give to have had this wonderful book by Drs. Claire Freeland and Jacqueline Toner! Sure I mouth, “Mistakes means you’re learning,” but a book like this one helps to put it into practice. With activities, great illustrations and wonderful suggestions for parents (even the perfectionist kind — maybe especially the perfectionist kind!), this book proves perfect for parents of kids who quake (literally or metaphorically) when they make a mistake.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, the American Psychological Association and Magination Press in exchange for an honest review.

I have a kids that is so fear of making mistakes and getting punishment from me and my wife as a parent. This book is really helpful for him to take the fear out of failing and making mistakes. This is a complete resource to educate and motivate your child.

As someone who has been in CBT before, I'm excited to see how well Claire Freeland could introduce those ideas while maintaining a kid friendly feel. It's a great balance of information and practice without being overwhelming.

My son isn't quite old enough to understand this guide yet, but as soon as he can I'll certainly be purchasing our family a copy. Just as with all of the other What-to-Do Guides, I'm a firm believer caregivers will get just as much from this as kids will. In the meantime, it's such valuable information that I'll use the techniques with him anyway!

{I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.}

A terrific updated guide on how to help children cope when making mistakes. Assists kids with perfectionism and anxiety when facing a task. This adult learned a lot, too, from its effective cognitive behavioral approach.