As our kids grow they will encounter and have to overcome obstacles. You will watch them struggle with hundreds maybe even thousands of obstacles.
I watch my 3 kids struggle with obstacles daily. My son, who suffers from ADD, has a daily struggle with math. While, our youngest two face the daily obstacle of sharing toys and bedtime.
While we won’t and shouldn’t help our kids overcome every obstacle they face. I do believe we are there to guide and help them through many of them.
What does it mean to overcome an obstacle?
Kids overcome obstacles when they either accomplish a goal or figure out a way to make a daily struggle manageable, something they are able to deal with.
Why is it important to overcome obstacles?
There are several reasons why it’s important for kids to overcome obstacles.
Capabilities- When your kids overcome obstacles they become aware of capabilities they might have doubted they had. Think of a child learning how to read until it clicks. They were always capable of learning and now they know they can do it.
Giving Up- Obstacles teach children about giving up. A child who doesn’t know how to ride a bike sees the benefit of not giving up when they practice until they get it right.
Trying new Things- The more obstacles your children overcome, the more willing they will be to try out new things.
What are some challenges kids face?
Kids face many obstacles and challenges just like adults do. Even young toddlers face obstacles like sharing and learning how to talk.
Here are some challenges your kids might be facing.
Peer pressure / Bullying
Learning a new skill (Piano, soccer, riding a bike)
Disabilities
Overwhelm (Overwhelmed at school, with extracurricular activities, or sometimes problems at home)
Learning Difficulties (School Related)
Medical Issues (Including Mental Health Anxiety/Depression)
Achieving Goals
What can inspire children to overcome obstacles?
Help and inspire your children to overcome obstacles in their lives.
Your children will face obstacles daily. Some obstacles will be more challenging and will take longer to fix and achieve and some have quick fixes. Here are some ideas to help.
Role Model– Make sure you are role modeling for your kids with your own obstacles. Let them see you work towards achievements, struggle, and accomplish goals.
My kids always look so inspired every time they see my husband complete a race. It gets them excited about running, being active, and overcoming obstacles.
Teaching– We teach our kids how to overcome obstacles every day. This happens when we teach them to walk, talk, ride a bike.
Be present and available to teach your kids skills that you have the ability to teach them.
Goal Planning– Help your kids make smart goals to overcome hard obstacles they face. If they are having trouble with soccer or piano make a list of goals to help them get better.
Write out the steps it will take and how you can help them with some of those steps. Follow up on the goals they’ve set to see what they’ve achieved or accomplished.
Communication– Open up communication with your kids. Let them know you are there to talk with no judgement.
You want your kids to be able to come with you about their obstacles, including obstacles they might be internalizing, like bullying at school.
This study from the American Psychological Association shows that most parents are unaware of what is really stressing their child or that they are even experiencing stress or anxiety.
Family meetings are great for open discussions where your kids can hear you and other family members talk about obstacles they are facing.
Team Work– When your child is in need let them know they have a support system that is there to lift them up.
A family is a team there to lift each other up when in need. Siblings can help each other with difficult chores.
As parents we can help our children with emotional and medical support, easing overwhelm, solutions to problems at school, etc.
Professional Help– Sometimes our children’s obstacles can’t be solved without the help of a professional.
Your child may need a medical or psychological assessment if their obstacles are causing changes in their behavior or health.
If your child is struggling with school or sports they may need the help of a professional coach or tutor.
Support– Your child might need extra support from you as a parent to get through their challenges. This can be as little as spending extra one-on-one time with them, helping them with homework each night, or lending a non-judgmental ear.
We had a child struggling with bullies and learning in a public school setting and had to step in and homeschool to help them overcome that obstacle. The positive results from this choice have made the decision worth it.
As parents we know when our children are behaving differently. Signs of frustration or moodiness may indicate that our child is going through an obstacle that they need assistance with.
Guide your child through their obstacles the best you can and step in when necessary.