Being courageous does not mean you don’t have anxiety or fear. It means you do the right thing and stand strong no matter the cost or how scared you might be. Here are 5 ways to teach your kids to be courageous.
1. Set the Example
The eyes of your kids are always on you. Your children’s prime example of bravery is going to come from you. Allow them to witness you stepping out of your comfort zone. It could be them seeing you overcome a simple fear of heights and riding the roller coaster at your local amusement park.
2. Lovingly Challenge Them
We naturally want to protect our children at all times and do all we can to alleviate their fears. However, we also must challenge them constantly to try new things, even if that makes them scared. Trying new food, speaking in front of the class, or playing a sport are some examples. When our kids step up and do these types of things, be sure to give ample praise. Build on their courageous attempts.
3. Point Out Real-Life Role Models
When we think of heroes, we think of soldiers, firefighters, or policemen. They all provide many examples of courage and valor. Point this out to your kids. Ask your children to go up and thank them. Go even further by giving your kids courageous quotes from people in all walks of life. For example, Tony Dungy recently shared with me what courage is all about when he said, “Courage is the ability to do the right thing, all the time, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be.” Write these kinds of quotes on a white board in your home. Talk about them over dinner.
4. Be Scared Together
Nothing can illustrate courage more powerfully than you and your children doing something reasonably risky together. Perhaps it’s going on a mission trip, water skiing or riding a roller coaster. Whatever it is, when you and your kids overcome fear together, you help your children to be courageous.
5. Equip Them With Prayer
Prayer fills the human heart with courage. Faith helps to overcome fear. Pray with, and for, your children and encourage them to be strong and courageous.
How are you demonstrating courage to your children?
