Grit. Resilience.

We know that developing these life skills will help young people overcome challenges and emerge stronger, ready to face life's ups and downs. But where and when are they given the chance to develop these game-changing skills?

If you've been following this blog, you have probably noticed my passion for introducing young people to entrepreneurship. No, I’m not expecting them to launch the next billion-dollar startup (although they absolutely could!). Instead, I see entrepreneurship as a unique training ground for building grit and resilience. Unlike the traditional school system, which often fears failure, entrepreneurship embraces it with open arms. It tells your t(w)eens, "Failing is okay. It's a sign you're learning and growing. So keep going!" Through each cycle of "fail-learn-fail-learn," young entrepreneurs become more resilient.

So let's dive into practical ways you can support your t(w)een in developing grit and resilience:

1. Embrace Challenges Together
Challenges are like adventures waiting to be explored. Encourage your t(w)een to step out of their comfort zone. Whether it's starting a small business, a side project, or volunteering for a cause, tackling new challenges builds their confidence.

2. Foster a Growth Mindset
Think of it as teaching them to view their abilities as evolving superpowers. With a growth mindset, they'll believe that effort and learning can make them stronger. Failures become opportunities to level up instead of roadblocks.

3. Applaud Their Perseverance
Your t(w)een may face haters and setbacks on their journey. Remind them that everyone has moments of doubt. Success often comes after repeated efforts, so celebrate their determination and remind them they're on the right path.

4. Share Coping Strategies
In your role as a mentor, introduce your t(w)een to tools like mindfulness, exercise, and journaling. These skills help them manage stress and bounce back when they face challenges.

5. Encourage Reflection
Encourage your t(w)een to reflect on their experiences, both good and bad. What did they learn from past challenges? How can those lessons guide their future decisions?

Remember - grit and resilience aren't innate traits; they are qualities that can be nurtured and developed over time. By guiding your t(w)eens along this path, you're providing them with invaluable tools to thrive in a world filled with uncertainties and opportunities. The ability to persist, adapt, and bounce back from setbacks will serve them well in academics, future careers, and personal lives. So, as parents, educators, mentors, guardians, let's champion the growth of grit and resilience in the t(w)eens we care about and then watch them transform into confident and successful young adults.

Interested in hearing stories on grit and resilience? Check out the DO WIT podcast.