My choice: Be empathetic (tough break, you'll get it next time). Do this because she is probably already beating herself about performing such a bonehead manuever. Punishment would just be wrong. (please note some helpful things I can say/relate to ease the pain)

ntn

The natural consequences are punishment enough, you don't need to add to it. Being directly empathetic is great, but it might help more to have a discussion with her about steps she can take in the future (eg. asking for help earlier, prioritizing better, etc.) to guard against that happening again.

lakmiseiru

Has she done this before? If not, everyone screws up once. If she seems like an honest person who will try her hardest next time, give her a break. Remind her that everyone screws up once or twice in life, and that learning how to do it gracefully and get back on her feet will give her more in life than her classmates' success in the class.

erin

Is failing not punishment enough? I doubt she'll make this mistake again (and if so, then you can consider punishment).

jmorzins

I'm not sure what relationship you have with your daughter, but I'm not sure what good "punishment" will do -- I doubt it would force a dramatic change. Perhaps you can step back and let her fall. Sympathize, but let her do the work of picking herself up to move on.

madcaptenor

She's punished herself enough; you don't need to make that any worse.

sauergeek

If she's truly dedicated to art, she's already beating herself up over this. If she's not truly dedicated to art, any punishment you mete out will not make a difference.

quince

how old is she? if she's 9, the answer is very different than if she's 20.

aletta

Um, it depends a lot on how old she is. I certainly wouldn't punish. But, I would engage her in a discussion of why it happened and how it can be avoided in the future.

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