Teaching Our Children to Have GRIT
By Dr. Christopher Smith
Dear Dads,
“GRIT” is a buzzword that’s been making the rounds amongst parents and educators, and for good reason. This positive, non-cognitive trait has been linked to a myriad of benefits, including better academic performance, higher levels of resilience, and increased overall well-being. As parents, it’s crucial that we understand the importance of teaching our children grit at an early age, and helping them develop this trait so they can thrive in every aspect of their lives.
One of the key aspects of grit is the perseverance of effort. This means that when our children encounter obstacles, instead of throwing in the towel or giving up, they have built the resilience to keep pushing forward. This is a critical skill that will serve them well in school, in their careers, and in life in general. When children learn to persevere, they begin to build a sense of agency and empowerment, which in turn helps them develop a growth mindset.
Passion for a long-term goal or end state is also an important aspect of grit. When our children have a goal that they’re working towards, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in their work. In order to help our children develop this passion, it’s important to encourage them to explore their interests and find something that they truly love. When they have a sense of purpose, they are more likely to put in the hard work and effort required to achieve their goals.
So how do we go about teaching our children grit? The first step is to model it ourselves.
When our children see us persevering through our own challenges and setbacks, they are also more likely to adopt this mindset. We can further help our children develop grit by teaching them to set goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. By providing our children with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals, we are helping to instill a sense of empowerment and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.
Finally, it’s important to remember that developing grit is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, and practice. As parents, we need to be patient and understanding as our children navigate the ups and downs of their journey. By providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment, we are helping to equip them with the tools they need to thrive.
Teaching our children grit is an essential part of parenting. By helping our children develop perseverance of effort and passion, we are equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in every aspect of their lives. As parents, it’s up to us to model this trait, encourage our children to set goals, and provide them with the support and resources they need to achieve them. With these tools, our children will be well on their way to achieving their full potential and living happy, fulfilling lives.
Chris
Despite the challenges of being a former homeless person, Dr. Christopher L. Smith defied the odds and graduated summa cum laude in just three years for his undergrad. He was inducted into the medical school honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, for his exemplary work in medical school. He is now a Board-Certified Physician who completed his fellowship and residency at the world-renowned John Hopkins Hospital. He dedicates his time and resources to raising awareness to homeless children and finding solutions to help them overcome. Dr. Smith currently lives in Florida and is a partner with Quantum Imaging and Therapeutics. He is the author of Homeless to Hopkins. Chris enjoys making new memories with his family, walking barefoot on the beach, traveling and photography. To find out more about Dr. Smith visit his website.
Feature photo by Freestock
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