What is courage?

Courage is the bravery and strength to face fears, challenges, or difficult situations. It’s about being brave even when we feel scared. Courage means believing in ourselves and taking action, even if it’s hard or uncertain. It’s like having a superhero power inside us that helps us overcome obstacles and do the right thing.

Why is it important for children to learn?

Learning about courage is important for children because it helps them develop resilience and face life’s challenges with confidence. Courage empowers children to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, even if they feel afraid. It teaches them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that failure is a part of learning and growing.

Courage also helps children stand up for themselves and others. It encourages them to speak up when they see something wrong or unfair, and to be a good friend to those who need support. By practicing courage, children learn to be kind, compassionate, and inclusive, making the world a better place.

Having courage can also boost children’s self-esteem and belief in their abilities. When they face their fears and overcome them, they build confidence and trust in themselves. This confidence carries over into various aspects of their lives, including school, relationships, and personal goals. Martial arts is a great tool to push comfort zone and ability to deal with challenges, physical and mental. The Kali Majapahit teachers provide regular opportunities for students to step up to new challenges successfully and build their “courage muscle” that can be used in other situations.

Five conversation starters:

Engaging in conversations about courage with your child can inspire them to be brave and face their fears. Here are some conversation starters:

“Can you think of a time when you felt scared but found the courage to do something anyway?”
“What does being brave mean to you? Can you give me an example?”
“Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but feel scared to do? How can we support you in being courageous?”
“Who do you think is a courageous person? Why?”
“How can we help others show courage? What can we do to support them?”

Practical ways to help children build courage:

Encouraging acts of courage in your child’s everyday life can help them develop and strengthen their bravery. Here are some practical activities to promote courage:

Encourage your child to face small challenges or fears, like trying a new food or speaking up in a group setting.
Share stories or read books about brave characters and discuss their acts of courage together.
Help your child set goals that require them to step out of their comfort zone and support them in achieving those goals.
Teach them coping strategies, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk, to manage fear and anxiety.
Acknowledge and celebrate moments when your child demonstrates courage, reinforcing their bravery and resilience.

Recommended books:

Read these books with your child to explore the concept of courage and inspire discussions about bravery:

“The Lion and the Mouse” by Jerry Pinkney
“Brave Irene” by William Steig
“The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
“Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Yousafzai

For older children:

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba

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