Building your child’s courage muscle to empower them for success

Media discourse loves to brand our children‘s cohort, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as “special snowflakes”, unable to cope with even the slightest setback; what used to be called teasing has been rebranded as “micro-aggressions”.

But this misses the point. It’s our fault.

Previous generations have given space to children to take risks. Our generation of adults seems determined to snowplough all risk away. Of course, it is natural for parents and institutions to want to protect children from adversity. All the more so now that our world seems more viciously competitive, and the internet represents an ever-present safeguarding danger in almost every child’s pocket.

Instead, we have a moral duty to allow children to build their *courage muscles*. I believe it is equally crucial that we equip children with the tools to face obstacles and adversity head-on. A vital life skill, in and out of the classroom.

Similar to the development of any muscle, courage requires regular exercise to grow stronger, so here are some effective strategies to aid the cultivation of your child's courage muscle:

✅ Encourage calculated risk-taking
Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone by trying new activities, exploring unfamiliar environments and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth.

✅ Lead by example
Children learn best through observation and modelling of their role models. Demonstrating courage in our own lives, whether through pursuing a new career path, standing up for your beliefs or taking calculated risks, will help them understand that challenges are a natural part of life.

✅ Foster a safe space for vulnerability
Teach your child that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Create an environment of open communication, actively listen to their concerns and validate their emotions. By providing a non-judgmental space, you empower them to express their fears and worries, making it easier for them to confront their own difficult situations.

✅ Celebrate marginal gains
Recognise and celebrate even the smallest of steps your child takes when facing fear or adversity. This boosts their confidence and reinforces the idea that courage is a valuable attribute.

✅ Teach problem-solving skills
Teach your child to break down problems into manageable chunks, brainstorm potential solutions and evaluate the consequences of each option. This process instils confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles effectively and without the overwhelm.

As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to nurture the growth of our children's courage muscles, leading by example.

Further watching:
TED talk on snowplough parenting by Clemmie Stewart: https://bit.ly/43zsWUb

Further reading:
https://bit.ly/45XJHKj

Picture: Children’s Courage by Marcin Mikolajczak, 2016