Many parents are on a mission to help their children succeed and want to protect them from any challenges or failures in their lives. It’s often difficult for parents to watch their children face obstacles that may be frustrating and upsetting. Although it may be easier said than done, parents should keep in mind that they cannot protect their children from every obstacle, and that facing challenges is actually an important part of a child’s development and potential to achieve success. Rather than sheltering their children from obstacles, parents should consider using these challenges as tools to help their children build resiliency and develop healthy coping techniques for those moments when they feel defeated or frustrated.
How can parents help their children overcome challenges and achieve their goals? Here are a few suggestions:
Understand Feelings & Emotions
As children grow and develop, they experience new feelings including anger, defeat, and frustration. It’s important for parents to guide their children through their emotions and help them learn how to express their feelings in a healthy way. Rather than rescuing them from feeling anger, frustration, or defeat, allow them room to go through these emotions and know when to step in with suggestions and next steps. Parents can guide their children as they learn how to process their emotions and validate their feelings. When children have a deeper understanding of their emotions they will more likely be able to cope with their feelings, build resiliency, and develop a strong sense of determination. Emotional intelligence can help children face challenges with confidence as they work toward achieving their dreams.
Lead by Example
It’s no secret that children learn from their surroundings. That’s why it’s important for parents to set a good example for their children, especially when they feel angry, frustrated, or defeated. Children often watch how their parents react to challenging situations and use that as a guide in their own lives. If a child watches their parents panic during a challenging situation, or scream when they’re angry, they will most likely mimic those behaviors. If a child sees that their parent is easily defeated or intimidated by challenges, they are likely to share those same feelings. When facing challenges, parents should strive to set a good example for their children by demonstrating determination, and reacting maturely and responsibly. Many parents shy away from sharing their own challenges with their children when in actuality, sharing challenges, responses to failures, and the outcomes is a powerful way to teach children how to be resilient. As many adults will agree, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles are a critical part of achieving our goals. It’s important that parents help their children accomplish their goals by setting a good example when it comes to managing emotions and challenges.
Help Them See the “Bigger Picture”
Parents can help their children overcome challenges by encouraging them to see the “bigger picture.” Children often live in the moment and when a moment in their life becomes challenging, they can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe one of their homework assignments is really difficult, or maybe they are having trouble learning how to play a new song on their instrument, these small obstacles can make children feel defeated and discouraged. During these challenging times it’s important for parents to remind their children about the importance of hard work and the reward, or feeling of success, that comes with it. For some children, it could be helpful to break the challenge down into smaller steps to achieve the final goal. Parents should remind their children of their ultimate goals to help keep them motivated so that they can work through their challenges and achieve their goals!
Compass Charter Schools (CCS) supports its learning coaches, or parents and guardians, as they guide their scholars, and help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. During the month of October CCS is recognizing its core value, achievement, by sharing and celebrating scholars’ accomplishments. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to celebrate our scholars’ hard work and achievements!
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Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a WASC-accredited virtual charter school that serves families throughout California. Interested in learning more about CCS’ flexible academic programs? Visit our website, or contact our enrollment team at enrollment@compasscharters.org or (877) 506-8631.