One of the most vital life skills we can cultivate in our children is resilience – the ability to respond to and overcome difficulties and challenges in an emotionally healthy way. Unfortunately, many children today are ill-prepared for the mental grit required to navigate an uncertain world.

According to the October 2023 UNICEF South Africa U-Report, 60% of youth in our country feel they need mental health support. While this data reflects perceived needs, it aligns with the global trend of increasing youth mental health issues.

Life is inherently filled with challenges and suffering. As Christians, we recognise that suffering is a part of the human experience, a consequence of original sin. Yet, we are not defeated by adversity. Instead, we are encouraged by it, knowing that it builds character. As Romans 5:3-4 states, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

So, how can we teach our children to face fears, cope with difficulties, learn from failures, and build character and grit? We must be intentional in instilling a biblical worldview that explains why life is hard and how to persevere against all odds. It is crucial to guide them away from a victim mentality and to help them view each failure as an opportunity – an opportunity to handle disappointment and improve performance or behaviour.

We should resist the temptation to offer participation awards or falsely praise poor performance to cushion the blow of disappointment. Such actions can deprive children of the chance to develop character and resilience. Instead, with love and support, we should purposefully allow them to experience failure. This approach is essential for shaping their worldview and preparing them for the inevitable challenges they will face in the future.