Step eleven: Teach to expect setbacks!

Children frequently underestimate how difficult it can be to achieve a goal and they get frustrated and discouraged when they don't. (On the other hand, adults frequently underestimate their own abilities to reach their goal.) 

Talk to the children. Point out the challenges and the dedication their goal will require. Don't make the goal seem too out of reach but rather explain the seriousness of the undertaking. 

Explain, from your own experience, how much effort and grit were needed to achieve your own goal. 

Allow them to overcome the challenges independently. Be a coach, not the problem solver.

Explain to them that they are actually working on developing perseverance skills and that struggle is likely and failure is possible.

Tell them that it's not always in their power to succeed but it is always within their control to apply effort. 

Be their support. 

Assist in evaluating why things went wrong. 

Guide them in re-planning. 

Help them overcome procrastination.