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In this Witty & Gritty Podcast interview session with Keith, we discuss what gritty parenting looks like and how to go about instilling grit in our kids. Keith has practical, simple ways to not only be a gritty parent, but help raise your kids to have grit as an innate quality.
This episode is saturated with parenting gems, so we picked three to get you started. Be sure to check out the full episode to snag as much wisdom as you can!
Kids need supportive adults OTHER THAN YOU!
Kids aren’t fully aware of what it takes to move through trials and see a bigger picture. Since adolescents lack the wisdom, someone must intercede on their behalf to guide them to success. Adults who have had experience and gained wisdom know what it takes to get to the next level. Whether that next level is academics, sports, or a good moral foundation, ALL kids need supportive parents and supportive adults involved in their lives.
A good starting place is to get your kids involved in an extra-curricular activity led by someone other than you. This adult can provide coaching, guidance, and also help instill core values. Adults who have gone through something and have been successful know how to help get others there. Find great adults who can provide wise roadmaps for your children.
Safe environment matters
They may not verbalize it, but kids needs: structure, routine, and someone who asks good questions. If you take a look at Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs, you can see foundational needs (food, shelter, etc…) up through self-actualization (desire to be the best version of oneself). The word “environment” can be seen on every level.
Here are some ideas that help set up an environment for your children that will help foster and instill grit:
- demonstrating unconditional love
- being reliable, trustworthy, and supportive
- normalizing failure and getting back up again
- teaching how to understand consequences of actions
- using small failures to teach big lessons
- setting safe boundaries
- guiding them to solve their problems (NOT fixing it for them!)
The list goes on. Creating this atmosphere in your home will help your kids learn to speak up, ask questions, and build trust.
Be an INVOLVED parent
Refuse to be an ill-informed parent. You must choose to get involved somehow in the school system your children are in. Whether it’s joining PTA or becoming a district employee, getting involved in the school system will give you insight to what’s going on in your children’s lives.
Not sure where to start? Ask the teacher! Volunteer, bring up Sonic drinks, do something that shows the school you are ready and willing to be involved in some capacity. Getting out of your comfort zone and getting involved in a positive manner can make such a positive impact on the lives of your children.
