As your child discovers sports, activities, and hobbies that they love, it is your desire as a parent to help them do well at it. You do many things to help your child succeed: seek out opportunities for them to experience new things, pay for their sport or activity, provide transportation to practices, lessons, and events, encourage them to work hard, and rejoice with them at their accomplishments… But if you had to pick one thing that was the most important part of helping your child to succeed and find joy in life, what would it be? I believe it is to teach them that having true character is the most important part of any endeavor they take on in life.
…having true character is the most important part of any endeavor [your child takes] on in life
As a gymnastics coach, I feel very strongly that true character is the number one factor in whether an athlete will find fulfillment in what they do and truly do well at it. I have had athletes with very little natural ability rise to a surprisingly high level because of their passion, determination, and persistence. These are also the athletes who experience the most joy in what they do. I have also worked with gymnasts who had amazing physical potential, but sadly never achieved a high level because of a lack of perseverance and endurance. I truly believe that if a child has the inner drive to become great and the character qualities they need to get there, they can accomplish anything.
I have had athletes with very little natural ability rise to a surprisingly high level because of their passion, determination, and persistence.
In my next article, I will introduce four character qualities that I feel are essential for success in life. As your child finds sports or other challenging and enjoyable activities that he or she loves, they are finding the opportunity to develop these qualities. I will also share why it is imperative that you find ways to encourage and develop these qualities in your child as they participate in the activities they love.
Remember – you are the most influential person in your child’s life, and it is up to you to inspire in them character that will last a lifetime!
Building Kids With Character is used with permission and is a 6 part series that is posting on Heather’s blog here.
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.