Courage is that hidden edge to not just get you through any situation, but also thrive through it! In our next Raising an Ace video, Mariam & I discuss parenting strategies and mindsets to get Ace to be as courageous as he possibly can. It’s a much needed perspective for some parents/people out there in my eyes. Check it out:

• Authenticity Takes Courage (00:57 sec mark) – Freeze Generational Fears (01:24) – Share Adversity Strategically (02:00) – Limit Fear Tactics (03:02) – Emphasis EnCOURAGEment (03:32) – Dangers vs. Fears (04:42) – Courage to Avoid Storms (05:46) – Flip Fear to Motivation (06:12) – Realize Fear’s Persistence (07:20) – Validate a Child’s Fears (07:52) – See Fears as Opportunities (08:30) – Mindfulness Through Fears (09:16) – Trust Fear’s Inevitable Death (09:48) – Articulate Fears (10:12) – Facing Fears Solo (10:52) – Step Up for What’s Right (11:55)

A child’s courage is theirs to own. And the difficult truth can be that heightening a child’s courage can involve intentional mental bruises along the way. They’ve got to get tested! And then come out of the other side intact. A major part of raising a courageous child is letting them face their fears without backup. Let them struggle, learn, and then get stronger. For Ace, we will not apologize on his behalf to a teacher because he’s too nervous too. We will not coddle him into accepting any weakness or struggle he is dealing with; we will instead validate his struggle or fear & then brush off his shoulders, and enCOURAGE him to get after it & defeat the fear. He needs to understand that the only way to gain courage is to do courageous acts; there’s no short-cut and nobody can do the acts for him. The message is to own your story and ultimately life, and be the hero of your journey through thick and thin, while using your courage every step along the way.

Peace, Love, & Courage!