"You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right."—Rosa Parks
(Artwork from Jennifer Fosberry's My Name Is Not Isabella)
Today is Rosa Parks' birthday! We felt it was the perfect day to celebrate Rosa Parks as a role model and to share a few insights to help teach the children in your life to be brave. It doesn't matter if you're a teacher, a sibling, a parent, a grandparent—we can all help encourage little ones to become more confident by setting an example. Show your children that you're brave by stepping out of your comfort zone, by confronting fears, and helping them confront theirs. Your brave example will inspire them.
• Teach your children right from wrong. Establish a value system within your family that translates into your children's everyday routine. Make sure you see that your children do their best to live by this value system. Observe how they interact with others and step in if you feel they're not standing up for themselves.
• Communicate with your children. Let them know that you're there to listen. Help them work through issues and problems by talking with them. Remember to ask them about their interactions on a regular basis—at school, with friends, etc. Show them the way by giving them advice on how to deal with issues that come up.
• Challenge your children. Teach them to be fearless! Encourage them to try new things—from foods, to activities, to big, scary roller coasters. Even if they decide they really didn't like that food or activity, praise them for being brave and willing to confront their fears by trying something new and unfamiliar.
Celebrate bravery today by teaching your children how to be confident and why it's honorable to stand up for yourself! Today, we're inspired by Rosa Parks, and also by a little girl named Isabella from My Name Is Not Isabella who is courageous, strong, and proud to be imaginative.