Raising Courageous Children: A Guide to Nurturing Brave and Confident Kids

As parents we all want our children to grow up to be confident, courageous and resilient. Life is full of challenges but how do we foster these traits for our children to not just survive, but thrive when confronted with adversity? In this blog, we'll provide 5 practical tips for raising a courageous generation.

1.    Lead by example: From a young age, children learn by observing others and modelling their behaviour. As their parent/s you have a special place in your young one's eyes - they look to you as an example to follow. By being brave and facing challenges head-on, you can show your child that it's okay to take risks and not be afraid of failure. It's been said, “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward” (John C. Maxwell).

2.    Encourage independent thinking: Encourage your child to think for themselves and to make decisions based on their own values and beliefs. How you encourage your child will depend on their age but encouraging exploration from a young age will help them develop curiosity and courage as they learn about the world around them. In addition to exploration, encouraging your child to play independently and explore their interests will help them develop their own sense of identity and the courage to pursue their passions

3.    Teach problem-solving skills: Teach your child how to approach challenges and solve problems in a creative and effective way. This will help them feel more capable and confident when faced with difficult situations. You can do this by playing adventure game, scavenger hunts or creating an obstacle course that challenges children physically and mentally. This will help them build confidence and resilience as they overcome challenges and reach their goals.

4.    Celebrate bravery: When your child shows bravery, whether it's trying something new or overcoming an obstacle, be sure to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue being brave in the future. Think of encouragement for what it truly is - EN - COURAGE. When we encourage our children, we are imparting courage to them.

5. Encourage empathy: Raising courageous children is about more than seeing them conquering their fears. Truly courageous children look out for more than themselves; they stand up for what's right and for others who may be vulnerable. Empathy helps children understand and connect with others. Take every opportunity to encourage your child to consider others' perspectives and feelings and to be kind and compassionate. “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” – Alfred Adler.

Raising courageous children is no small task but we believe you are just the right person to do it! EN-couraging your children takes time and effort, but the payoff is well worth it. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, helping children develop problem-solving skills, celebrating their achievements and promoting empathy, you can help raise a generation of confident, courageous and resilient adults. Whether you had an encouraging figure growing up or not, why not be the change and be your child's biggest champion.

If you're looking for a tangible gift of encouragement, why not check out the Courageous Gift Box.