Hollywood actor Jason Momoa has shared a powerful perspective on parenting, arguing that children do not require constant shielding from failure. Instead, he believes they need the space to stumble, learn, and pick themselves up again. The actor's views, expressed in a 2023 interview with Men's Health magazine, focus on reframing struggle as an essential component of growth rather than a sign of weakness.
Redefining Failure: "Falling is Great"
Momoa's core message is strikingly direct: "Falling is great." For him, a fall does not signify doing badly; it signifies the courage to try. In a world where many children are pressured to be perfect from an early age, developing a fear of mistakes, Momoa's stance is a refreshing counter-narrative. He observes that this fear can gradually erode a child's natural curiosity and self-assurance. By openly celebrating the act of falling, he flips the script on failure, transforming it from a source of shame into proof of effort and bravery.
Rock Climbing: Lessons Beyond Words
The "Aquaman" star doesn't just preach this philosophy; he actively practices it through shared outdoor activities with his children, notably rock climbing. He chooses physical challenges over lengthy lectures because they make the process of trial and error visible and tangible. A slip, a fall, and the subsequent attempt provide a clear, physical metaphor for how learning works. The body, Momoa suggests, internalizes these lessons more profoundly than words ever could. Furthermore, such activities remove the common pressures of grades and direct comparison, allowing learning to occur in a more organic and natural setting.
This method directly counters the early onset of perfectionism, a fear Momoa has noticed in his own kids. In an era dominated by social media highlights, competitive exams, and constant comparison, mistakes can feel intensely public and shameful. By normalizing struggle and error through action, parents can help prevent this perfection anxiety from taking root as a lifelong habit.
The Lasting Confidence Built Through Struggle
According to Momoa's approach, genuine confidence is not a product of constant victory. It is forged when a child encounters difficulty, navigates it, and emerges on the other side. When children fall during an activity like climbing and then choose to try again, they learn a vital life lesson: discomfort is temporary, and perseverance pays off. This type of earned confidence is more durable than praise handed out freely because it is rooted in real experience. It equips children for the realities of adult life, where easy wins are rare and resilience is key.
Moreover, engaging in a challenging activity like climbing together does more than promote fitness; it builds trust and strengthens bonds. When a parent struggles alongside their child, the dynamic shifts from instructor-student to a more equal partnership. Children feel seen and supported, not just directed. This shared effort creates a connection where life lessons are lived and felt, not forcibly taught. It also has the powerful side effect of showing children that adults fall and fail too, demystifying the illusion of flawless adulthood.
The ultimate takeaway for parents is universal, transcending rock climbing or celebrity lifestyles. It's about creating space for effort and resisting the urge to immediately fix every problem. Parents don't need to loudly celebrate every failure, but they can work on releasing their own fear of it. Allowing children to try again without attaching shame or judgment teaches inner resilience more effectively than constant correction ever could.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general parenting awareness and discussion. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or educational advice. Parenting strategies should always be tailored to a child's individual age, personality, and specific needs.
