In a recent adventure, I took my 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, to visit the iconic Hollywood sign. On clear days, it’s visible from our home, and we’ve long discussed the idea of hiking up to it. We could have opted for the popular, well-marked trail filled with tourists, but we chose the challenging route—a two-mile hike over rocky terrain with a steep elevation gain of 1,000 feet. During a particularly precarious section, where the path ran along a ridge with a 300-foot drop, I kept Sarah close by, ensuring her safety.
Over time, we’ve improved our skills in tackling such adventures. I’ve learned to be more patient, and she rarely cries during our outings anymore. While she has an inherently bold spirit, developing bravery requires practice. Every few weeks, we embark on a new challenge, and this time it was the rugged trek to the Hollywood sign. Previously, we’ve hiked through the Grand Canyon, navigated whitewater rapids, and even snorkeled alongside leopard sharks—though that experience could have gone more smoothly.
Opting for these adventures over more sedentary activities like watching movies or playing video games may seem risky, but the alternative—a childhood devoid of excitement—can be even more daunting. The lessons learned from overcoming challenges are invaluable. Yes, there are risks involved, but many rewarding experiences in life come with some level of danger. I believe the best way for my children to discern between worthwhile risks and those to avoid is through firsthand experience.
After our hike, Sarah shared photos with her friends, some of whom were astonished by the cliff’s height. She remarked, “Adventures are worth the mishaps.” It’s a phrase she likely picked up from somewhere, and while she may not fully grasp its meaning yet, I appreciate that her thinking is evolving. She’s beginning to recognize the rewards that come from such endeavors—both physical and emotional bravery.
While many challenges in life may require physical strength, the most significant tests will often be moral in nature. I want her to be equipped not just to face physical dangers but to act courageously in her interactions with others. As proud as I feel when she conquers a mountain or rides a wave, nothing compares to the joy I experience when she chooses to be kind, such as inviting a new student to join her at lunch.
As she matures, standing up for others will likely involve even greater risks. I hope she will never have to confront dangerous situations, like facing a mob or defending the innocent in a conflict zone. Ideally, her moral challenges would revolve around writing opinion pieces for the local newspaper or advocating for diverse literature in her school library—books that encourage critical thinking and explore unconventional ideas. However, I know my daughter is compassionate and will undoubtedly strive to assist those in need, wherever that may take her.
This is why we prioritize practicing bravery. One day, Sarah will need to tap into the reservoir of courage we’ve cultivated together. In those moments, I hope she will recall my reassuring presence as we navigated past the cliffs toward the gleaming Hollywood sign on the horizon.
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In summary, teaching my daughter to embrace courage in various forms—be it through adventurous outings or moral standpoints—is a crucial part of her development. These lessons will shape her character and prepare her for the challenges that lie ahead.
Keyphrase: Teaching Courage to Children
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