“I am not a genius. But I will have a calling and I will challenge myself every day. When I get knocked down, I’ll get back up. I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I’ll strive to be the grittiest.” – From Grit by Angela Duckworth
What parents want:
Ideal parents want to empower their children to believe in themselves and encourage them to realize their highest potential. But, how can they ensure that their children will follow through with their dreams and stay on the course when the going gets tough?
Parents who know the value of sustained motivation know the power of Grit. The unstoppable resilience with which humans are capable of bouncing back after a tragedy or a set back.
Adapting Grit:
Parents who know the power of grit do a few things to ensure grit is way of life for their children. Children who have positive self worth and self esteem believe in their abilities to achieve their goals. From this belief arises their ability to persevere, aspire and achieve. Promoting the abilities to learn quickly and easily, using techniques to increase attention span and focus are other tools that help with grit.
Parenting for Grit:
Some believe grit is forged in the crucible of adversity. Some want to balance out affection and respect on one hand and firmly enforced expectations on the other. While you raise a child centered family by putting your children’s interests first, its important to realize that they are not good judges of “how hard to work” or “when to give up on things.”
Psychologically Wise parenting is appreciating that children need love, limits and latitude to reach their full potential. Parenting authority should be based on knowledge and wisdom rather than power. A child being raised by such parents should be able to feel this way:
- I can count on my parents to help me out if I have a problem.
- My parents spend time talking to me.
- My parents and I do things that are fun together.
- I can share my troubles with my parents.
- I get praised and congratulated for my achievements.
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