Developing grit and perseverance in children is essential from "summary" of Helping Children Succeed by Paul Tough
The ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks is a crucial skill for children to develop as they grow and navigate the complexities of life. Grit, as defined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, is a combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals. Children who possess grit are more likely to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Building grit in children requires providing them with opportunities to face obstacles and learn how to overcome them. This process involves allowing children to struggle and experience failure, while also offering them support and encouragement to keep trying. By fostering a growth mindset in children, educators and parents can help them develop resilience and determination. Research has shown that children who exhibit grit tend to have higher academic achievement, better social skills, and greater overall well-being. In contrast, children who lack grit may struggle to overcome challenges and may give up easily when faced with difficulty. This can lead to lower academic performance, decreased motivation, and a sense of learned helplessness. Teaching children to develop grit and perseverance is not about pushing them to their limits or forcing them to endure unnecessary hardship. It is about creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. By modeling perseverance in our own lives and providing children with opportunities to practice grit, we can help them build the resilience and determination they need to succeed in school and beyond.- Developing grit and perseverance in children is essential for their long-term success and well-being. By fostering a growth mindset, providing opportunities for children to face challenges, and offering support and encouragement along the way, we can help them cultivate the resilience and determination they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
