My goal is to help parents and caregivers understand how important it is to honor and support our kids' efforts to try new things-even if they fail! Life is not meant to be a neat and tidy experience-it is to be explored and used, trialed and triumphed. Too often, children and adults alike don't try new things, even things that interest them, because they are afraid they won't be good enough. Let's start encouraging our children, and ourselves, to step out of our comfort zones and seek new adventures. It is time that we applaud our failures for what they really are-symbols of the courage to try. With a little patience and persistence, who knows what adventures lie ahead? Your friend and fellow parent, Heather Hamilton