The Science of Raising Courageous Kids
Martin Brokenieg and Steve Van Bockern
- The Spirit of Belonging: The universal longing for human bonds is nurtured by relationships of trust so that the child can say “I am loved”.
- The Spirit of Mastery: The child’s inborn thirst for learning is nurtured; learning to cope with the world, the child can say “ I can succeed”.
- The Spirit of Independence: The child’s free will is nurtured by increased responsibility so that the child can say “I have power to make decisions”.
- The Spirit of Generosity: The child’s character is nurtured by concern for others so that the child can say ”I have purpose for my life”.
Courage and Resilience Science
Attachment: Healthy infants form bonds to those who care for them, and they smile to communicate happiness and love. These are not just learned behaviors, since they occur even with children who are blind or deaf.
Achievement: All children also have inborn dispositions for mastery in order to learn strategies for coping with life’s challenges. Children learn best from persons with whom then have positive bonds.
Autonomy: While seeking to maintain attachments. Youth increasingly strive for autonomy, in order to gain independence and self-reliance. Secure attachments prove a base for successful autonomy.
Altruism: Persons reciprocate the care they have received as concern for others. Such generosity strengthens relationships between individuals, in effect, making them relative.
Courage and Self Worth
- Significance: Am I important to somebody?
- Competence: Am I good at something?
- Power: Can I influence my world?
- Virtue: Am I a good person?