Each month this series introduces fun and impactful healthy habits to help families with kids and teens prioritize physical, mental, and spiritual well-being—fostering a lifestyle of shared growth and lifelong wellness. Healthy habits built together are the ones that last a lifetime.
October is a month full of surprises and spookiness so let’s talk about how “scary” things can actually be a gift to help our kids build courage. As parents and caregivers our first instinct is to keep our kids away from the scary parts of life and shield them from discomfort.
The truth is, that one of the most helpful tools we can give them is the chance to do scary stuff safely and with support!
Unpacking the Gift of “Scary”
How do adults grow up to be confident, courageous and resilient? They experienced opportunities to try things growing up that stretched them out of their comfort level in ways that felt safe and guided. We all feel fear- it’s a normal human emotion. Learning how to handle fear in a healthy way can’t happen if you are never encouraged to learn discomfort. Instead, this is where kids either freeze or flee when faced with challenges, risks and things that feel scary but could have wonderful things on the other side. Give your child the space to be brave and learn to trust themselves so they are less likely to back away from difficulty or be naive about the world.
Releasing the Habit of Hovering
The term “helicopter parent” has such a negative connotation when really, this parenting style comes from the beautiful desire to keep your kid safe. What happens though when we hover too much or micromanage every decision our child makes? That overprotection stunts their growth. Childhood is meant for falling and getting back up, finding out what they are capable of and getting messy! You don’t have to abandon all caution but you do want to guide them letting them know, “I believe you are capable of this and I’m here for you.”
3 Simple Ways to Encourage Courage
#1 Getting Out of Your Shell
Small acts of social courage can help kids trust their own voice and build independence early. Let your child order their own meal at a restaurant or help them introduce themselves to new friends or their parents with your encouragement.
#2 Try a New Challenge
We all know the playground holds tons of opportunities to teach “nervous is normal” to our kids; the big kid slide, monkey bars, closed off tunnels and more. Cheer them on as they try to climb a taller ladder or another obstacle they show interest in but are a little scared of- reminding them you’ll be there if they need help.
#3 Finding Silly in the Spooky
Help your youngest kiddos find fun in a little fear by introducing them to a scary movie. You’re providing a safe environment to try out a scary movie by talking through what feels a little silly versus truly scary to them and watch it together. Humor is a great way to walk through testing these waters.
Creating Practices That Last a Lifetime
Let’s raise a generation of kids who face fears, take risks and step into the unknown, knowing they have support behind them the whole way! (That’s the real goal!) This month remember that teaching your kids to push past the scary stuff and trust themselves is the best gift you can give them.
