How to deal with children's carelessness?

Careless mistakes can feel worse than major mistakes because they seem easily preventable. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes from time to time, and that’s okay. But if you're making a lot of careless mistakes, there are a few simple ways to get back on track.

To reduce careless mistakes, start taking note of the kinds of mistakes your child makes frequently, such as losing keys or missing deadlines, and write them down. Make sure to use a calendar and to-do list to stay organized and avoid missing appointments. Once your schedule is slow and you want to keep the house tidy, a clean room will help you focus on the task at hand.

Realize that making mistakes is normal. So you made a mistake? Don't panic. We are human and we all make mistakes sometimes. Avoid criticizing yourself or letting yourself down when you make these mistakes.

Write down the mistakes you make each week. Are these mistakes at home or at school? While going to school or running? Have you ever faced a deadline at work? Did you forget to bring money or a lunch box? Lock your keys in your car? Admitting mistakes and teaching your child to understand the types of mistakes made is a good start.

Talk to others about your child’s mistakes. Many people make careless mistakes, and some people you know may have some ideas about how they can overcome the habits that lead them to make them. Try talking to a trusted friend about the mistake you made; chances are, if you were a friend who was in the same boat as you, he or she would have made the same mistake.

Use checklists and to-do lists. Get a notebook and start writing down everything you want and need to do there. List in order the most important things in your life. Then, when you're ready to do something, decide how "important" it is.

Stick to regular sleep and eating habits. It’s amazing how quickly a lack of sleep and/or nutrition can make people forgetful and leave them feeling stressed and overwhelmed, which can easily lead to careless mistakes. It is also helpful to filter out unimportant information during exams or other occasions.