Raising Resilient Kids: The Key to Building Grit

Mighty Oak Athletic Podcast S1:E11 - Raising Resilient Kids

Embrace Change: Why Challenging Routines Builds Resilience in Kids

Change is hard. Most people cling to routines because they offer predictability and comfort, giving structure to our day. But what happens when those routines stop being beneficial and start feeling mundane or even counterproductive? Even the most subtle changes can feel daunting. Don’t believe it? Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or taking a new route to the grocery store. Simple tasks like these can suddenly feel overwhelming, and the thought of breaking a habit can make us uncomfortable.

Recently, the local school district implemented a small change that stirred up some frustration among neighborhood parents—they moved the bus stop. Instead of stopping at each student’s house, which was inefficient, the school board decided that students would walk to a designated location in their neighborhoods. For some kids, this meant simply walking outside their front door, while others had to walk a few blocks. At first, with the warm, sunny weather, this shift was manageable, and most parents were thrilled to have their children back in school. But when the rain started falling, and the mornings got chilly, complaints started to surface. Parents grumbled about their kids needing umbrellas, weather-appropriate gear, and extra shoes to change into at school. And what about when the snow comes and the temperatures drop? Would their kids be expected to brave the frigid weather to catch the bus?

It’s easy to roll our eyes at this and think, “Back in my day, we walked to school in the snow, uphill, both ways!” And maybe it sounds cliché, but there’s some truth to it. Many kids today live a sheltered, comfortable life in the suburbs. Picture moms loading their kids into the family minivan, driving down the driveway, and waiting with the heat cranked up for the bus to arrive.

Yet, having children walk to the bus stop has several advantages.

The Power of Fresh Air

First, being outdoors is an undeniable win. Most Americans spend a staggering 97% of their time indoors. Just 10 minutes outside can positively impact a child’s mood and mental well-being. The simple act of walking and breathing in fresh air is an underrated, powerful way to start the day. It can increase alertness, boost energy levels, and even improve focus—setting kids up for a more productive school day.

Building Grit and Resilience

Exposing children to the elements builds resilience. Whether it’s walking through rain or waiting in the cold for the bus, these experiences teach kids to adapt to challenging situations. Over time, they learn perseverance—a key component of grit, which is passion and persistence in the pursuit of long-term goals. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and learning to embrace discomfort helps kids develop the mental toughness they need to face future challenges.

Fostering Connection and Play

Another benefit of walking to the bus stop is the social interaction that comes with it. Meeting up with neighborhood friends fosters a sense of community and opens the door to spontaneous play. Unstructured play, like kicking leaves or stomping in puddles, encourages creativity and helps kids develop essential social skills. Compare that to sitting in a car, staring at a screen—detached from the outside world. While it might seem more convenient for parents, it’s not helping kids grow into well-rounded individuals. A little play before school, even if it means muddy pants, might be the most important part of their day.

Embrace the Discomfort

Instead of shying away from change, we should embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Stop searching for the path of least resistance. Though parents may try to make life easier for their children out of love, shielding them from challenges can be counterproductive to raising resilient, healthy kids.

Yes, change can be unsettling. But next time a shift in the routine happens, try to focus on the positives. Identify what’s good about the change and how it can improve a routine that may have grown stagnant. Encouraging kids to walk to the bus stop instead of driving them is a small change, but it’s a step toward building stronger, more resilient children.

So bundle up, grab those umbrellas, and embrace the walk to the bus. It’s more than just a change in routine—it’s an opportunity for growth.