Courage grows with practice. Most of the time, it means making a conscious decision to act bravely or try new things. By practicing courage, young learners will feel more comfortable as they try on new skills and more at ease in a variety of new situations. We share some tips on how you can build up your child’s courage at home.
Set Realistic Expectations
Affirm your child’s bravery by reminding them that you see them as brave. Saying something as simple as, “You can do it; I know how brave you are,” can help encourage them to see themselves that way. Never expect perfection from your child, and always let them know that it’s okay to feel unsure. When we try new things, we learn something new about ourselves and the world, no matter the outcome.
Encourage Positive Self-Talk
Building courageous children means helping preschoolers talk to themselves in a constructive and positive way. Angela Dweck’s research on developing a growth mindset taught caregivers everywhere how important it is to let children try new things to develop their self-confidence. When they’re exploring a new skill or activity, help them speak positively to themselves to increase their chances of success. Phrases like, “I’m new to this,” “I’m experimenting and learning more about this” or “I’m really giving this my best try” can help turn novel experiences into positive experiences.
Read All About It
Head to your favorite bookstore or local library to pick out a few books about courage and bravery. Here are some of our favorites:
- Courage by Bernard Waber
- I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience by Susan Verde
- Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
- The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright
Lead By Example
The best way to invite children to follow their intuition and use courage is by showing them how. Courage is about overcoming doubt and practicing bravery. And forgiving ourselves when we don’t get something right the first few times we try. Asking for help, seeking out a new friendship, trying a new skill or game, or visiting a new location are all courageous acts for a preschooler. Think about times you were brave and tell your kids about it. Conversations about courage and what it looks like are great ways to nurture brave hearts and build up your child’s courage.
We Love Fostering Courage in the Classroom
TGS teachers encourage play and curiosity in students to help build their confidence and master new skills. We help nurture every child’s own intuition as they learn and grow. Want to learn more about our teaching philosophy? Head over to our website or contact us today to schedule an in-person or virtual tour of the TGS nearest you!