Palejovo ABCs - RECENTLY

Later, however, in interviews, you can hear their modest comments that, after all, anyone in their place would have done the same, and in fact it was nothing special. Is this merely feigned modesty, or do these everyday heroes really not recognize their courage? For courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it. And every day consists of smaller or larger acts of courage.

Most parents would like their children to be brave and willing to take on new challenges. It is important for children to know that what looks like courage from the outside often requires tremendous effort and overcoming one's worrying and holding back thoughts and self-doubt. Courage does not always bring spectacular results. Sometimes they are tiny and almost invisible from an observer's perspective. However, for a person who has taken some action, this particular step could mean a great deal and bring him closer to his desired goal or give him the strength to continue.

Sometimes courage involves facing unpleasantness and self-doubt. It seems difficult and risky. When we have to defend ourselves and stand up to other people, when we want to voice a different opinion, when we refuse, although others do not want to accept our refusal, when we show ourselves and someone hurts us in response with hurtful words or gestures. When we open up to other people and reveal our secrets, thoughts and feelings we are doing something very brave. We give a piece of ourselves, not knowing what we will receive in return. Driven by fear, we may choose a sense of security, which, although pleasant and warm, may at some point begin to beguile. In Asa Lind's beautiful book, Sand Wolf says to the main character Karusia that her bruises, which were caused by intense play, are medals of courage. This is a moving metaphor for what courage can be. Each of us carries millions of medals of courage. Each of us can see the multicolored bruises - medals not only the physical ones, but also the emotional ones. By taking risks and acting in spite of our fear, we bravely face adversity, grow and learn about ourselves.

In order to support children in nurturing courage, we should remember to remind them of what they have already done and accomplished. Surely there were moments in their lives when they were afraid, but nevertheless tried to do something. Even if they didn't achieve what they wanted at the time, they faced their fear and experienced that they can try even if something doesn't work out for them. Every experience gives us new information, enriches us with new knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes we learn most effectively from our mistakes. It is through them that we grow and learn how to be better. Making space for failures and setbacks gives room for learning.

Whenever possible, encourage your child to try new things and take on new challenges. Join your child in these discoveries - perhaps new music, sports, food or a trip to a new place will bring you closer together and allow you to get to know each other better.

Ask your child for his opinions and his views on various life topics. It is never too early to listen to your child. Let your child know that he can change his mind, make decisions, say no and boldly express his opinion. This does not mean that you will always agree with each other. On the contrary. Different views and following different values in life can contribute to conflicts. Taking his opinion into account, changing one's perspective and admitting when one has made a mistake are also acts of courage. They don't always come easily, but they are great examples and role models for young people. They allow them to walk through life with more courage and take responsibility for their actions, successes and failures.

Sometimes courage is about doing what is scary, and sometimes it is about doing what is good and right for us. Young people who care a lot about the approval of their peers can sometimes find it difficult to decide what they really want to do and what will benefit them. You can help your child make such difficult decisions by teaching them in advance to think about a few questions before they make a choice: will what I want to do hurt me or another person? Is this appropriate for me? Is it legal? Thinking about these questions can help a child make the right decision. It may turn out to be against the rest of the group. Saying "no" to something we don't want to do that others do is one of the bravest things you can do. Equip your child with a safety cushion when they have to face such a situation. Come up with some answers that will clearly emphasize the child's opinion, while helping him or her to maintain a relationship with the people he or she cares about.

Courage can open many doors to new opportunities. Let your child discover it in himself, but also nurture it in yourself. Positive things gain power if you share them with others. Therefore, tell each other about the brave things you have done. Celebrate even small acts of courage, and each subsequent act will come more easily.