Parenting Tips

As kids grow, they face many new things. Starting school. Meeting new friends. Learning to swim. Competing in sports. Learning to drive. Each new thing can feel like a big step forward.

I think every parent of a preschooler has had that moment where their child is bored but everything they suggest is a no, or their child wants to draw with crayons… but only with Mom or Dad, not alone. Sometimes this whole idea of “independent play” seems like it’s a parenting myth.

Courage involves making good choices in the face of fear or obstacles. It’s another term for bravery. Remember: Bravery doesn’t mean fearlessness. It means we do not let fear hold us back from exploring new opportunities, developing our skills, and doing what is right. For an eight-year-old, courage might look like reaching out to a peer who needs help, sticking with a challenging academic problem, or performing on stage for the first time.