When your children are raised to be mentally strong, they are better prepared to face challenges head on no matter what the world has to offer.
They will be able to bounce back from failures, tackle certain problems and cope with any hardships they may face.
Mental strength has nothing to do with suppressing emotions or acting tough. Nor is it about being defiant or unkind.
In fact, mentally strong children have the courage and confidence to reach their own potential while remaining resilient.
In order to help your children develop mental strength, you will have to approach it on three fronts:
- You will have to help them learn to control their emotions,
- replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts,
- and show them how to take positive action.
There are many different discipline techniques, parenting strategies and educational tools that can help your children build up their mental muscles.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD FACE CHALLENGES HEAD ON
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LET YOUR CHILD MAKE MISTAKES
Everyone makes mistakes.
Teach your kids that mistakes are all a part of the learning process. This will keep them from feeling embarrassed or ashamed if they get something wrong.
Allow natural consequences to take place when it is safe to do so. Take this opportunity to speak with your kids about how they can avoid repeating the same mistakes time and time again.
TEACH THEM LIFE SKILLS
Teaching your kids to make a better choice next time is what discipline is all about.
Use consequences that can help to teach specific life skills like impulse control, self-discipline and problem-solving.
This will help to ensure that your children learn to behave appropriately even when faced with tough circumstances, temptation and difficult setbacks.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO FACE THEIR FEARS
It is important to help your child gain the confidence they will need to face difficult situations and handle feeling uncomfortable.
If your children tend to avoid situations they may feel are scary, they won’t gain the confidence they need to navigate their way through life.
No matter if they are afraid of the dark, or uncomfortable in social situations, make sure that you cheer your little ones on as they face their fears one at a time.
Praising their efforts will help to let them learn that they are capable of handling things that are outside their comfort zone.
TEACH THEM TO EDIT THEIR INTERNAL DIALOGUE
If your child’s inner voice isn’t positive, chances are they are bombarding themselves with negativity and put-downs.
It is important to teach your child how to change those negative thoughts so they can think in a more realistic manner.
Being optimistic, but realistic can help children to get through tough times and perform their best.
HELP THEM BUILD CHARACTER
Children require a strong moral compass to guide them towards healthy decision making.
Instilling your values in your child and creating chances for life lessons that can reinforce them, is a great step to take.
Children who truly understand their values are more likely to make positive choices, even when others disagree with them.
BE A ROLE MODEL
Show your children that you are mentally strong.
This is the best way to give your children the will to be mentally strong themselves. Tell them about any personal goals that you may have and show them the steps you are taking to get stronger.
If you make mental strength and self-improvement a priority in your life, your children will want to follow suit.
It is natural to want your children to have the confidence to face challenges head-on and navigate to a positive solution. Just make sure that you give them the tools to succeed.3
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