Early in life, we learn that not everything is perfect. As kids progress into teens, the concept of perfect takes on new importance and sometimes they can lose sight of the beauty in the imperfections. As a parent it can be tough to watch this learning process and not be tempted to swoop in and come to the rescue. It can be tough to see the disappointment cross their face, but sometimes it is best we let it happen.
There is a famous song by Kelly Clarkson: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
Partial Lyrics
You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on over you
You didn’t think that I’d come back
I’d come back swinging
You try to break me, but you see
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn’t mean I’m over cause you’re gone
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
Whatever the disappointment – grades, sports, a part in a play, etc., the key to helping girls build their inner strength is for them to know that the insurmountable feeling they have right now will be the foundation for courage tomorrow. Once they see that even though they experienced a set back, they bounced back. And more than likely in the end they achieved greater things than they did before.
Inspiring your daughter to dream bigger when that first dream didn’t take hold will serve them both in school but also in life. Everyone has a bouquet of balloons filled with aspirations, ideas and the best intentions. When we let those balloons rise in the air, the very nature of that motion will cause many to pop. It is often the lone balloon filled with the best dream – the one that seemed so impossible it couldn’t be reached – that outlasts all the rest.
Encouraging not just the girls but influencers around them like teachers, coaches, and other adults that touch their lives to remember how pushing past that moment to go to the top of the mountain is so important for building confidence. Share your ideas with us on Facebook we would love to hear about an obstacle that was over come. Feeling like you want to be featured? We love sharing personal stories, contact us and we will bring your journey to life here!
