Downloadable Resources to Build Perseverance
How to Use the Resources to Teach Perseverance to Kids
For a fun and structured way to build character in your kids all year long, download the calendar and stickers.
Each calendar month focuses on a unique character trait. And each character trait has a unique printable teaching resource to help you build character in your child. You can download it below.
The resource includes:
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- definition card – to build an understanding of perseverance.
- verse card – to memorize why perseverance is important.
- question/challenge – to discuss or practice perseverance.
- character certificate – to recognize monthly progress in acquiring perseverance.
- reward coupon – to have fun and show your child how proud you are of them!
Use some or all of the resources to build perseverance in your child all month. You can also use the printable sticker sheet to cut out and place stickers on dates you see your child showing the trait you’re working on that month. You just need one 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of sticker paper.
Perseverance is just one of the 12 character traits we want to help you build in your kids. Here are more.
Why Perseverance Is Important for Kids
My son emerged from his room one morning with some news. Our city’s professional hockey team had won the Stanley Cup the night before and he confidently announced that he was going to play ice hockey just like the champs. I looked at him with surprise.
“Do you know how to skate?” I asked. He shook his head.
We signed him up for skating classes that week. To nobody’s surprise, he spent more time sliding on his backside than gliding on his feet. He fell over and over, week after week, for months. His instructor would encourage him, but it was a painful (literally) process to learn the skills required to maintain balance and control while on the ice. He didn’t give up, despite the bruises. He had set a goal and was determined to learn to skate so he could one day graduate to playing with a stick and a puck.
Perseverance is hanging in there, even when you feel like quitting. It’s a skill that doesn’t always come naturally to children. There are so many activities that prove to be difficult for children in sports, school, and even family relationships. Perseverance is the fuel that makes dreams achievable.
The day our son scored his first goal was a happy day for the entire family. We’d seen him persevere through difficulties and not give up. Perseverance made him a hockey player. Quitting is easy. Sticking with it is hard. Help your child to learn the benefits of not giving up and thriving through perseverance.
How to Teach Perseverance to Kids
Sign your child up for a team sport.
It is unlikely the basketball, softball, or football team will be undefeated at the end of the season. Winning is always fun, but losing is a good teacher and requires perseverance. Sports are often about overcoming failures. Let them learn those lessons in a fun environment.
Heap on the praise.
It would be great if every kid got straight A’s, but if your child is struggling with a subject in school, praise her effort. The outcome may be less than ideal, but finishing the paper on time is praiseworthy. Showing improvement over previous scores is praiseworthy, too. Focusing on what they are doing right will go a long way when they are frustrated over classwork shortcomings.
Put in study time.
Perseverance for kids often requires perseverance from parents as well. If your child still needs encouragement with school, study with him. Make flashcards, write quizzes, and really lean into those book battles. Not every lesson will sink in right away. Remind your child about the importance of striving to be their best.
Reframe challenges.
Teach your kids that challenges are learning opportunities. If A ended in failure, and so did B, C, and D, try E. But, don’t stop striving until you have figured it out. They may find out the strategy that yielded the most success was the one that didn’t come to mind first.
Change their vocabulary.
Stop allowing your kids to say the word “can’t.” It should be removed from their vocabulary. It’s an excuse that gives them an off-ramp. “Can’t” is an attitude, not a condition. Showing kids the joys of achievement after perseverance will never happen if we allow them to stop the pursuit.
