Which kind of parent are you? We all want to give our kids the very best life possible and sometimes this leads us to hover close all the time, attempt to cut a path for our children, or even clear the way with force to ensure smooth passage. But removing obstacles and making things as easy as possible for our children may actually rob them of the rich growth opportunities. When high anxiety, low self-esteem and self-confidence, and depression plague our children, we have to wonder what more we could do.
Every Olympic athlete that we watch with admiration lived through more than their share of challenges and obstacles. Journeys towards achievement are never easy. While physical talent is essential, mental toughness is the single defining feature of success. Passion and commitment fuel the many hours, days and years of hard work that are required for achievement. Psychologists tell us that the most important skills of all are resilience, grit and tenacity to bounce back from defeat; to persevere through setbacks and challenges.
Of course, these psychological skills apply to all children just as they do to elite athletes. Failing, having difficulties achieving your goals, requiring additional time to practice and learn are all important opportunities to build the skill of perseverance. When parents and teachers always step in to remove the challenges, to down-play failure, we inadvertently take away the opportunity to build character.
The Bible tells us that challenges help us develop endurance and endurance helps us develop strength of character. Next time your child is struggling and frustrated, stand with them, tell them you believe in them. Teach them the skills they need and let them grow through by persevering. Support your child to set incremental goals, use positive self-talk and put in the effort. You’ll be building skills that set them up for success and fill them with confident hope.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:3-5
Mrs Debra Cooper
Principal
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