For two years, fear held me back from trying out for Canadian Idol. The third year, I finally said yes. I made it through two rounds, but when I stood in front of the celebrity judges and sang, they said, “You can’t sing! Do something else!”

I was embarrassed, devastated, and angry. I went home thinking, Maybe they’re right. Maybe I should give up. I started to doubt myself.

After a day of feeling sorry for myself, I made a choice: No. I love to sing. I’m going to work harder and improve.

Today, I’m a singer and speaker. If I had let their words define me, I would have quit on something I love.

But how many kids do give up on something they love because someone tells them they’re not good enough?

When I ask students, “How many of you have given up on something you love because of someone’s opinion?” hands shoot up—including the hands of educators.

Two ways to help kids overcome doubt:

1. Support your child in completing this worksheet

2. Encourage them to ask, “Do I love this?” instead of “Am I good at this?”

Too often, kids measure their worth by others’ opinions. Help them focus on what brings them joy, and remind them that skills improve with effort.

This is what I know: Encouraging kids to keep going, even when they face criticism, helps them build resilience that lasts a lifetime. What matters most is believing in themselves!

Until next time…