TEDx Talk: What Kids Learn When We Mess Up
TEDxOconomowoc 2026
After years of trying to help my daughter manage difficult feelings, I ended up in a therapist’s office. I thought she was going to help me diagnose my parenting deficits, and I was surprised when she gave me a prescription for self-compassion.
In this TED talk, I share my journey from perfectionism to self-compassion, and how embracing ourselves when we mess up can help kids. If you are a caregiver of children who is hard on yourself, this talk is for you.
Learn More About the Event
I shared my TEDx talk in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on October 17, 2026. Learn more about TEDxOconomowoc.
Be the First to Know
Do you want to know when my What Kids Learn When We Mess Up TED video goes live? Join my self-compassion for kids (and us!) newsletter.
What's the Kiwi Bird Have to Do With It?
The Kiwi bird is central to accepting ourselves as imperfect beings. In my kiwi bird blog I share how we use this metaphor to accept ourselves and one another.
Or watch this three-minute video to hear how we use the metaphor in our family.
My TEDx Research Articles
In my TED talk, I describe a research study where parents and kids learn self-compassion together in my parent-child class. You can visit my research page to learn more about the study (it’s study #2).
About Jamie Lynn
Jamie Lynn Tatera is an educator, certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and creator of a parent-child self-compassion program studied by scientists at UW-Madison, UNC Chapel Hill, and UC Irvine. She is also the author of the award-winning two-volume Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids. Both grew out of her own experience discovering that self-compassion could heal her family, and wanting others to have the same.
A mom of two, Jamie Lynn has taught in Milwaukee Public Schools classrooms for fourteen years. She has also taught in the School of Education at UW-Milwaukee, and writes for Greater Good Magazine, published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. Her program has been endorsed by the founders of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, Kristin Neff at UT Austin and Christopher Germer at Harvard Medical School.
She is on a mission to help children and caregivers stop trying to get it all right, and start lovingly holding the mess.
“Self-compassion is an inner resource that nourishes and strengthens us throughout our lives. Fortunately, self-compassion can also be learned, and the sooner the better. The Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Children and Caregivers program is a brilliant adaptation of the MSC program that captures the essence of self-compassion for kids and their caregivers. I’m so grateful to Jamie Lynn Tatera for seeing the need and meeting it in a manner that is both profound and delightful.”
-Christopher Germer, PhD, Co-Developer of the Mindful Self-Compassion program
“Jamie Lynn’s playful yet deeply grounded approach translates the science of self-compassion into a language young hearts can truly feel. I’d highly recommend MSC-CC for anyone who wants their child to grow up with skills of emotional resilience and self-acceptance.”
-Kristin Neff, PhD, Co-developer of the Adult Mindful Self-Compassion Program
Invite Jamie Lynn to Speak
Jamie Lynn speaks for organizations, keynotes, universities, and trainings. Submit a request for her to teach or present for your organization here.
Related Self-Compassion Resources
Jamie Lynn has wonderful resources for children and caregivers:
- Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workbooks for Kids
- Explore self-compassion classes
- Join Jamie Lynn’s newsletter community for weekly tips
