I think I Can, I Know I Can - Kids Can Do Hard Things

“I think I can…I know I can.” Words that create a foundation to a mindset for children that revolves around strength, perseverance and learning to believe in yourself.

It starts with you- the parent.

Too often I find friends and acquaintances unhappy or unfulfilled. Many times this is because parents tend to put their passions and adventures aside to raise children, not realizing that to incorporate your children in your adventures and passions has such a positive influence on both the parent and the child. Many tend to put everything on hold when starting to raise a family. In our family, I have found that sharing time for each individual's passions has allowed us to become closer, to learn more about our children, for our children to learn more about us and overall, become more well rounded as a family.

Our day to day life does revolve around the kids’ schedule and getting the kids ready and going; but Rachael and I do set certain standards to live by. We believe in doing hard things, because hard things mold you into a better human. We believe in our children and their capabilities for doing hard things. 

Learn to face fear.

When you walk hand in hand with your child and teach them to approach their fear willingly- you are able to coach and guide your child through the emotions, the feelings. They begin to understand the feeling of fear, of intimidation. You are able to coach them to tell themselves they CAN do it and they soon learn to KNOW they can. It is through repeated experiences of facing fear and learning the processes of overcoming and conquering that children develop confidence and perseverance.

Positive Self Talk

This past year during our elk hunting trip, our kids climbed 2500 vertical feet straight up, no path. When we approached the mountain, they surely didn’t believe they could do it- but we led them and encouraged them to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. We tell them over and over, “Say, ‘I know I can, I know I can’.” When our 4 year old son reached the top of the mountain he said, “I don’t know any other 4 year olds who could do that do you mom?” Our kids have learned to self talk and keep negative emotion away when things are tough. These skills are learned from doing hard things. We believe in our children and don't stress about potential fears or anxiety; instead we look forward to accomplishment. 

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

These attributes allow us as a family to be able to do whatever it is we want. We have confidence as a family and as individuals that we can tackle any obstacles because of our experiences. Being uncomfortable is growth, and being comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable is learned through experience. Teaching your children this at a young age allows them to be moldable and adaptable. 

We take each adventure, each tough experience and embrace it, with each other. We grow, we laugh and we share these experiences together because we have learned that we can.