Raising Mavericks: 5 Principles for Parents to Forge Character in Their

In a world where disruption is the name of the game, where algorithms rule, you’re constantly fighting Zuckerberg for attention, and polarization dominates the headlines, one thing remains constant: the need to cultivate character in our children. As parents, it's our duty to ensure that amidst the noise and chaos, our offspring emerge as individuals of substance, integrity, and resilience. In our latest newsletter, I lay out five principles for parents to do just that:

Lead from the Front:

Kids are like radar systems, constantly scanning their surroundings for cues on how to navigate life's labyrinth. As parents, we're the North Star they look to for guidance. It's not enough to preach; we must practice what we preach. Let's show them what it means to be kind, honest, and compassionate in our daily interactions. By leading from the front, we set the tone for the type of character we want our children to embody.

"As the old adage goes, 'Do as I say, not as I do.' However, I've flipped the script and begun telling my son, 'Do as I do.'"

Stoke the Fires of Empathy:

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest over collective well-being, empathy is the currency of the morally affluent. Encourage your kids to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, to see the world through different lenses. Engage them in conversations about social justice, take them volunteering, expose them to diverse cultures and perspectives. By stoking the fires of empathy, we raise children who not only understand the struggles of others but also actively seek to alleviate them.

Embrace Ownership and Consequences:

Responsibility isn't just a word; it's a muscle that needs constant flexing. Assign age-appropriate tasks and duties to your children, from making their beds to managing their allowances. Teach them that actions have repercussions, both good and bad. When they mess up, and they will, encourage them to own it, learn from it, and move forward. By instilling a sense of ownership and accountability, we equip our children to navigate life's twists and turns with integrity and grace.

Forge Grit and Tenacity:

In a world where instant gratification is the norm, resilience is the ultimate superpower. Encourage your kids to dream big, set audacious goals, and chase them with relentless determination. Remind them that failure is not the end of the road but a detour on the path to success. Teach them to dust themselves off, recalibrate their course, and keep marching forward. By forging grit and tenacity, we empower our children to conquer mountains and weather storms.

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude:

In a culture obsessed with more, more, more, gratitude is the antidote to dissatisfaction. Encourage your children to count their blessings, big and small, and express appreciation for them. Start a nightly ritual of sharing gratitude around the dinner table or keeping a gratitude journal. Show them that happiness isn't found in material possessions but in moments of connection, beauty, and joy. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we teach our children to find contentment and richness in the tapestry of everyday life.

In closing, while academic accolades and extracurricular triumphs are undoubtedly important, the true measure of success lies in the character of our children. By embodying these principles—leading from the front, stoking empathy, embracing ownership, forging grit, and cultivating gratitude—we can raise a generation of mavericks who not only thrive in the game of life but also leave an indelible mark on the world. So let's roll up our sleeves, dear parents, and embark on the noble journey of shaping not just successful individuals but exceptional human beings.

If you found this email helpful, consider sharing with another dad or parent. You might make their day.

-Nick

Follow Kiddish on Twitter

Follow Kiddish on Instagram

Read more on Kiddish.co