There was a reading unit when I was teaching third grade where the vocabulary word, perseverance, was introduced. I loved teaching my students about this word! According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, perseverance is “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” The act of persevering is so important to instill in our children. If kids just give up when things get too difficult, they won’t be able to acquire new skills and will develop the mindset that they aren’t smart enough to learn certain things. In this blog, I will share a few ways that parents can help their children develop perseverance.
Be Your Child’s #1 Fan
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher and their number one cheerleader. As your child is tackling a challenging task such as jigsaw puzzle or complex math homework problems, show your child that you believe in them and encourage them to keep trying, even when things get tough.
Praise the Process, Not the End Result
Another way to help your child develop perseverance is to be mindful of the type of feedback you are giving them. As your child is working on a challenging task, praise them for the effort they put into the task. Let your child know that you are more interested in the process, rather than the end result.
Be a Role Model
One of the best ways to teach your child perseverance is to SHOW them what it looks like. Kids are not the only ones that encounter challenges. I know I face challenges on the DAILY! As a parent, you need to model being persistent when you are faced with a challenge. Make sure that you point out the challenge that you are facing to your child and show them how you are continuing to try to find a solution, even though it isn’t easy.
In closing, teaching perseverance to your children is one of the most important lessons you can impart on them. When kids learn to persevere, it will set them up for a lifetime of success in school and beyond!