Raising Courageous Kids: Eight Steps to Practical Heroism

Sooner or later, no matter how much we want to protect them, our children will face adversity when we cannot be there to help. Perhaps there will be a bully to deal with at school, an offer of drugs, or a life-threatening accident, attack, or illness. But eventually, in some way, life will demand that our children face fear, make choices, and take appropriate action. This groundbreaking guide explains how courage develops from birth to adolescence and provides solid information and practical ideas to help parents nurture courage at every stage.

After 9/11, stories of "everyday heroes" abounded. With that in mind, Smith, who teaches at Kansas State University’s School of Family Studies and Human Services, compiled this collection of anecdotes, tips, research, news accounts and personal experiences to form a beautiful guide for adults seeking to empower children. He directs readers down the path from personal power to willpower, which he posits as the foundation for strength. He provides practical examples of things parents can do to inspire vigilance, evoke empathy and ward off "emotional hijacking," which comes as "emotions spin out of control" when a child is confronted by a potential threat. Smith admonishes readers against accepting complacency (because "passive onlookers contribute to predatory violence"), and encourages reflection as a method of helping anchor children while pointing out the possibilities for the future. In simple language that informs without being overly pedagogical, Smith shares wisdom on character building that should greatly assist parents, educators and those who work to bring out the best in children.
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