This is the final part in a series on four qualities that are important for every kid to be successful and happy, and ways that you as a parent can help your child to develop them. We have talked about motivation, perseverance, and self-confidence. The last quality is endurance!
Endurance is being able to last a long time… As long as it takes to accomplish your goal!
Endurance is being able to last a long time… As long as it takes to accomplish your goal! A child has many opportunities to learn this quality as they grow, and as a parent you can help by recognizing those opportunities as “teachable moments” and supporting your child as they go through them. Remember – sometimes this means letting your child go through the tough times without stepping in and making it easier! It can be hard to watch your child go through a hard experience because your nurturing instinct is to comfort them and bring them happiness, but it is impossible for a child to learn the endurance they will need as a student, athlete, or friend – and as an adult someday – without going through appropriate amounts of struggle and hardship. Strength and true rewards are never gained apart from pain and hardship.
Strength and true rewards are never gained apart from pain and hardship.
For a very young child, opportunities to learn endurance may include trying to do something that is still too difficult for them for an extended amount of time, or completing an assignment from a leader without getting distracted. As a child grows and progresses in level and ability, mastering endurance can be more challenging! It means embracing tough conditioning even when it hurts, doing many repetitions of a skill or concept without losing focus, and continuing to pursue their goals even when it takes months or years to accomplish them. This could even mean repeating the same test or level and failing many times before succeeding! Be your child’s best cheerleader as they go through these times, but remember that true love and support means letting them go through a healthy struggle without trying to “protect” them from it. In the end, they are learning a great quality that will give them the kind of success and fulfillment that they cannot gain in any other way!
Author: Heather Leshovsky
Wife, mom, and co-owner of Emeth Gymnastics: My passion is coaching, living, and loving in a way that reflects Godly character and inspires it in others.