Help Your Child to Persevere

By Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Many historians feel that one of Winston Churchill’s greatest speeches was given at a graduation ceremony at Oxford University. He had worked on the speech for hours. When the moment finally came, Churchill stood up to the cheering crowd, and in a strong, clear voice shouted just three words, "Never give up!" He paused a few seconds and shouted the words again, "Never give up!" He then reached for his hat and slowly walked off the podium, satisfied that he had told the graduates the messages they needed to succeed. We need to make sure we pass on Churchill’s message to our own children. Only when children realize that success comes from hard work and diligence will they be the best they can be. The following techniques, from my latest book, Parents Do Make a Difference: How to Raise Kids with Solid Character, Strong Minds, and Caring Hearts, are designed to help your child understand how critical perseverance is to achieving success in every arena of life.

Michele Borba, Ed.D., is an educational psychologist, former teacher, and mom who is recognized for offering research-driven advice culled from a career of working with over one million parents, educators, and children. A frequent Today show contributor she also appears on Dr. Phil, The View, CNN American Morning, and The Early Show, Michele is the author of 22 books. For more information visit www.parentingbookmark.com.

Create a "Stick to it" Award

Ask your child to help you find a stick at least the length of a ruler to acknowledge "stick-to-itiveness." A family in Seattle uses an old broomstick; another mother said her family uses a yardstick. Print "Stick to It Award" across the stick or dowel with a black marking pen. Now tell everyone to be on alert for family members showing special persistence for the next month. Each night have a family gathering to announce the names of family members who didn’t give up, and print their initials on the stick with a marking pen. Make sure to tell the recipients exactly what they did to deserve the award. Make it a content to see how long it takes to fill the stick with family members’ initials.

Child love to count how often their initials appear on the stick! Children learn best through repetition, so why not make perseverance your family theme of the month? Print the word "Perseverance" on a large poster and hang it on your refrigerator as a reminder and then everyday take a few minutes to point out to your kids why it is such an important trait of success. And above all remember: parents do make a difference!