Tom Brady: Allowing Children to Experience Failure Helps Shape Their Future Achievements

Tom Brady, a father of three and winner of seven Super Bowls, has spoken out against what he perceives as a problematic trend in modern parenting: protecting children from experiencing failure. During his appearance at Fortune's Global Forum in New York last November, Brady expressed concern that many parents today focus more on keeping their children comfortable rather than helping them build resilience. He believes this mindset can hinder long-term achievement, as reported in a

. "Whenever kids make mistakes, we move them somewhere easier so they can succeed," he remarked, pointing out that students or athletes who struggle are often transferred to less demanding settings instead of being encouraged to face and overcome difficulties.

Brady’s viewpoint is shaped by his own childhood. He recalled that as a high school quarterback, he had to fight hard every year to earn his place as a starter. He contrasted this with what he sees today: a student-athlete in his shoes might simply switch to a school with less competition to secure a starting role without truly earning it. According to Brady, these formative challenges were crucial to his later accomplishments. Looking back on his 23 years in the NFL, he stressed that overcoming obstacles in his youth was essential to his success. "I never would have achieved what I did without facing those hardships," he reflected.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star also cautioned against pampering young athletes, noting that they are frequently praised as "great" without being challenged to exceed their boundaries. "They’re never required to go beyond what’s comfortable," he observed, suggesting that even top athletes today may lack the determination that comes from facing adversity. As a team leader, Brady said he would intentionally put his teammates in uncomfortable situations to help them develop both mental and physical strength, pushing them to work harder than they thought possible.

Brady’s approach to raising his own children reflects the values his parents instilled in him. When he was a backup quarterback with slim chances, his parents motivated him to chase his ambitions, never discouraging him by saying it was too difficult. "They never told me not to try because it would be too tough," he shared. Instead, they encouraged him to pursue his goals, a lesson he now passes on to his kids.

The conversation about parenting methods has become more prominent in recent years, with some critics warning that excessive protection can impede the development of emotional strength. Brady’s views echo broader conversations about how failure can play a vital role in personal growth. "When we reflect on the toughest moments in our lives, we often realize they were actually the most beneficial," he said.