Often covered under the layers of overwhelming emotions, sometimes, courage is all we need. A fleeting moment of courage to do something, say something or simply just to accept something regardless of the throbbing fear of judgement and embarrassment, can sometimes, change lives.
Children often need a gentle nudge to help them step out of their comfort zones. Inner strength is sometimes not enough when the situations aren’t ideal. Under such circumstances, the fear of failure, judgement and or embarrassment is too consuming to break free from. What one needs the most then is courage. A few seconds of courage to help them take the plunge, to help them neglect all fears for once and do what they want to do, is enough.
However, kids aren’t born with intrinsic qualities like courage. It is through the efforts of their parents and the circumstances that surround them while growing up, that helps one muster courage.
Why is it important for children to be courageous?
When a child makes friends, we, as parents, might not always be around them. Under such circumstances, a scared or timid child would usually cave into negative peer pressure. However, a child who is bold, is likely to withstand the same. He or she won’t give in to temptations that counter family values.
The most prominent benefits that come along with courage are resilience, willpower, confidence and enhanced ability to focus as courage builds resilience from distractions. As a result, this helps children to learn more effectively and perform better at school.
Courage also helps children to take on challenges that come along with developing new skills. This gives them the confidence to emerge as strong individuals with an attractive personality.
However, the good news is that courage can be developed in children. You can teach courage to your kid so that they don’t lose their voice in the adversities of life. Here are 8 ways to exercise courage in your child:
Model Courage
We can’t stress enough on how observant kids are. Your children learn most things by observing the elders around them. If you don’t be courageous under challenging circumstances, your kids will be observing you. Similarly, if you emerge as a strong and courageous individual in times of crisis, your child would observe that. Thus, to teach courage to your child, model courage.
Talk about values and courage
Some studies show that kids who believe in the values instilled in them by their parents, turn out more courageous. If you tell your child that courage is the ability to make the right choice even if they’re afraid, it is likely that he’ll remember your words when the time comes. Keep reminding and refreshing the need to be courageous through stories and words of value.
Stop fixing every little problem
As a parent, you’ll always want to rescue your child and “fix” their problems. But what we don’t realise sometimes is that this makes them more dependent, let alone being courageous. Their ability to step out of their comfort zone is crushed along with their inner courage if you keep doing everything for them. Instead, when your child genuinely needs help, mention that you’re only helping because they can’t do it by themselves. This will push them to try harder, this time, with courage.
Ask them to share their stories of courage
Being brave comes with a lot of practice. It demands one to try and fail and try harder again. When reading a story about bravery or describing an event of courage, you may turn to your child and ask her if she has a story to share where she acted brave. Regardless of the magnitude of their braveness, praise their courage. This will keep them motivated.
Burst unrealistic myths
By presenting the wrong examples, we often push our children to a corner. Gone are the days when Superman was always the bravest. Tell your child stories about real life heroes or even when your or a family member was courageous. Giving unrealistic standards of courage to kids can have negative consequences. Instead, keep it light and keep appreciating. All they look for is some praise from their loved ones.
Besides teaching them how to be courageous, make sure you strictly tell them to prioritize safety. Sometimes, the high of trying to prove oneself courageous can get them into unwanted troubles. Thus, all is well as long as safety is priority. Let’s help the young ones find their heroes within!
