Felice Gerwitz is a wife, mother of five graduated homeschoolers, and grandma to eight. She began Media Angels® Publishing while pregnant with her third child and went on to write and produce many books and online conferences. Felice is the founder of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network and the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network. Felice invites you to join her on her show Vintage Homeschool Moms, celebrating its 400th episode!
Determination is one of those innate qualities many children possess, especially when we don’t want them to do something. Little ones are determined to head toward any uncovered electrical outlet or pull something off a top-shelf. Determination can stem from a form of obstinate behavior or single mindedness. Yet, determination can lead to success.
Why do people succeed? Because they make a plan, set goals, and do it? No.
In people who succeed, the critical ingredient is that they do not give up. Many of you are probably applauding right now because you have those kids that won’t give up. They refuse to let go of an idea or are determined to fight to the very end. But it is more than that. Sure, there are some goals involved, but overall determination is emotional.
Determination is knowing that distractions will be overcome, and there will be perseverance in the face of obstacles! That is why achievement is celebrated, victories are won, and all of the hard work that goes behind it is so worth the cost. How do we get our children to strive to be better, finish a task, and face problems head-on?
How do you teach determination in a balanced manner?
One way is by telling stories of how you have overcome an obstacle or used discouragement to succeed the next time. None of us has constant success, yet success is often not measured only by the result but by the journey. The trap is when we fall into the idea of perfection. Perfectionism can be crippling and can cause your child to give up.
Some kids give up easily, some may be labeled as “lazy,” and gravitate toward the least possible taxing job, or are scarce when there are groceries to take into the house. These same kids are super determined when it comes to meeting up with friends or asking or whatever “that” thing is that they want, or want to accomplish. How do you motivate a child? By setting limits, following through, and teaching by example.
Encouragement is the key, and parents often use words that become a sharp double-edged sword.
You need to watch your mouth, and think before you speak. This Bible Study challenge can help if you struggle in this area.
Keep Quiet Challenge Bible Study – Learning How to Manage Your Mouth
Young people need their vision, their own focus or goals, they need to share their opinion, even if it is not ours. Sure it’s hard, but good parents take the time to listen more than they do speak. Do you want your children to share everything with you, then you need to listen.
If every family member determines to work on themselves, first—can you imagine what an incredible change would happen? That change will have a ripple effect. I write different character guides monthly to help parents achieve the outcomes that I speak about here. Do you want to impart the keys to a determined focus, life, and goals that are strong within each family member, which often not directed in a tangible way?
Share your struggles with your family, work together to overcome them, and work toward a common goal of love and hope for a brighter future, one character change at a time.I pray the success of incorporating the trait of determination into your family improves your bond and encourages love for each other and a love for the blessings—and hope, yet to come.
If you need help with ideas and ways to demonstrate this, my latest Character Counts Planner is on the topic of “Determination.” You can get new planners that change each month by subscribing to my eZine at the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
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Sarah is a wife, daughter of the King and Mama to 4 children (one who is a homeschool graduate)! She is a an eclectic, Charlotte Mason style homeschooler that has been homeschooling for almost 20 years.. She is still trying to find the balance between work and keeping a home and says she can only do it by the Grace of God, and Coffee!
