Parenting on PointSample

Building Resilience and Perseverance

Resilience and perseverance are critical qualities for children to develop as they prepare to face the inevitable challenges and trials of life. Teaching your children to be resilient means equipping them with the ability to bounce back from setbacks, disappointments, and failures. It's about instilling in them the courage to keep going, even when the road is tough.

Start by helping your children see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to avoid. If you tend to be a perfectionist or control person, you will need to repent of this so that it doesn’t transfer to your kids. As Christians, we are to be gracious and parent our kids to be grace-filled, too. Encourage them to adopt a growth mindset—believing that God can help them learn and improve through effort, perseverance, and determination. Remind them that God uses trials to strengthen our faith and build our character.

Share stories from the Bible that illustrate resilience and perseverance, such as Joseph overcoming betrayal and hardship or Paul’s endurance through persecution. Discuss how these characters trusted God and remained steadfast in their faith, despite difficult circumstances.

Encourage your children to try new things and step out of their comfort zones. Celebrate their efforts and progress, even when they fail. Let them know that failing doesn’t mean they are a failure, and failure is not the end but an opportunity to learn and grow. When they face setbacks, remind them that God is with them and will give them the strength they need to keep going.

Often, parents try to remove obstacles and hardship from their child’s life. The truth is that character is formed through suffering, struggle, and bouncing back from failure and loss. If your child does not go through some hard things, they will become very soft and struggle launching into adulthood and being responsible.

Model resilience in your own life. Share stories of how you have overcome difficulties or how God has strengthened you through trials. Be transparent about your struggles and how God has helped you persevere. Your example will inspire your children to do the same.

Help your children develop problem-solving skills. When they face challenges, guide them in thinking through potential solutions rather than giving up. Encourage creativity and resourcefulness, and praise them for their efforts, regardless of the outcome. Remind your children that resilience is not about never feeling discouraged but about trusting God to carry them through those moments. Help them understand that it’s okay to feel tired or frustrated, but God provides new mercies every morning and will renew their strength.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your strength and guidance in times of trial. Help my children and me develop resilience and perseverance in all situations. Teach us to rely on You and to see challenges as opportunities to grow closer to You. Strengthen our faith and help us to remain steadfast in Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.