Healthy Little Minds

When I Can’t Do It Yet

It’s Okay Not to Get It Yet.

A Healthy Little Minds ® Book by Godswill Ambrose

Sometimes kids try their very best and still can't get it right. Shoelaces stay untied. Letters come out wobbly. Blocks tumble down.

And when that happens, big feelings show up: frustration, embarrassment, and even the urge to give up.

But this story gently reminds children: “Just because I can’t do it now… doesn’t mean I never will.”

When I Can’t Do It Yet helps little readers build a growth mindset—the powerful belief that their abilities can grow with time, practice, and patience.

They’ll learn to name tough feelings like anger, shame, or self-doubt. Practice calm-down strategies like breathing and asking for help. Replace “I can’t” with “I can’t yet.” Feel proud of small steps and big progress.

Sometimes I try really hard and still can’t do it.

Like zipping my coat or writing the number 8.

I try again and again, but it just won’t work. Then I feel moody.

My face gets hot. I want to yell or stomp or throw it away.

“Why is this so hard?” I whisper.

My teacher sits beside me and smiles.

She says, “It’s okay, Destiny. You just can’t do it… yet.” That word feels like a soft pillow in my chest.

I breathe in, slow like this… In… 1, 2, 3… Out… 1, 2, 3…

My shoulders drop. My tummy feels calm.

I try again. This time, my hands are gentler.

My mind is quieter.

I still need help but I’m learning. Each try is like a tiny step.

Even the small ones count! Step by step, I get closer.

One day, I do it.

I write 8.

I zip my coat.

I do it all by myself.

"Look what I can do!” I shout.

Everyone claps for me. My teacher smiles wide. I feel warm and proud, like sunshine in my chest.

I did it. I really did it. Now I remember: If I can’t do something yet, that’s okay. I’m still growing.

I can learn, I can try. And when it feels hard…

I take a deep breath and try again.

What’s something you can’t do yet, but want to learn?

Draw it on the box below!

And write about it! Remember: Little steps turn into big progress.

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