EPISODE · Mar 13, 2025 · 25 MIN

Episode 4: Cheering through the Failures

from Fearless & Forty · host Susan Norgren

In this episode of the Fearless & Forty Podcast, we delve into the emotional challenges that come with being a mom during our kids' experiences with failure, especially when it comes to trying out for sports. We discuss the natural instinct to want to protect our kids from disappointment but also emphasize the importance of stepping back and allowing them to experience failure as part of their growth. Throughout the conversation, we explore the delicate balance between being supportive cheerleaders and not falling into the trap of becoming critics, especially when we see our kids struggling. Instead of jumping into fix-it mode, we highlight how powerful it is to be there for them emotionally, to listen, and to validate their feelings without taking over the situation. The episode stresses the value of teaching our kids that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for resilience, learning, and growth. We talk about how we, as moms, can model this behavior by handling our own setbacks with grace, showing our kids that it’s okay to fail and try again. We also discuss how our role as a cheerleader involves encouraging our kids to pursue their passions, whether they succeed or fail, and how our support can help build their confidence and perseverance. Ultimately, the episode is a reminder that as moms, our job isn’t to shield our kids from every failure but to be their biggest supporters, offering love, encouragement, and the freedom to try, fail, and grow on their own terms.