Beyond your Comfort Zone 

Lead by Example

Parenting is no mean feat. There is no such thing as the perfect parent and with this in mind, we like to reflect on all the good things that we sometimes unknowingly drip feed our kids. These are the often-small things that we say and do that our children pick up on or absorb and will eventually make their own. One of these is showing our kids how we step outside our comfort zone. This is the place where exhilaration and real learning reside - leaving the safe, the familiar and the predictable behind but it often takes courage.

A simple way to resonate bravery and courage is to mention it. When you take on a new challenge, adjust the way you do things or put yourself somewhere uncomfortable, say how it feels. ‘I am really working on getting up 15 minutes earlier (Argh!) so that I can walk the dogs and still get to the gym before work”, ‘After trying but being ignored for ages it felt tough but I finally got a meeting with that guy I told you about. Now I have to get prepared!” “Wow I was so nervous standing up in front of all those people, but I did it and it felt great!” “I am anxious about my new French class. It is going to be so uncomfortable but I do really want to see if I can get my French back!”

One of the most important skills that we can teach our kids which takes bravery and courage is the value of having tough conversations. As Brene Brown sets out so well in her book, Dare to Lead "Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind." Being clear can take courage when we are taught to be kind and we can model this for our kids. This is how it might sound: “I went and had a chat with Hannah. I was really uncomfortable with the way she spoke to me yesterday. It was a tough conversation but I am so glad that I was honest and clear and we can move on. “

Rather than lecturing or pontificating to our kids about the virtues of doing the tough thing, we can show them how it’s done and talk honestly and openly about the feelings both challenging and fun, liberating and exhilarating that come from being brave and courageously stepping outside our secure comfortable place.

Modelling is the greatest part of parenting!