What Is Perseverance—and How Families Can Practice It Together

Perseverance means continuing to work toward a goal, even when it feels challenging. For

children, perseverance is the ability to try their best, learn from mistakes, and keep going rather than giving up. This skill helps children overcome obstacles, build confidence, and work toward long-term goals. Families play an important role in helping children develop perseverance through everyday experiences and encouragement.

Children may approach perseverance differently depending on their interests, strengths, and life experiences. By practicing perseverance together as a family, caregivers can help children learn that effort, patience, and support make a difference.

Five Ways to Practice Perseverance as a Family

Set small, achievable goals: Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially for young children. Help your child break goals into smaller steps they can work on one at a time. Celebrating small wins builds confidence and shows children that progress happens gradually.

Normalize mistakes as part of learning: Mistakes are a natural and important part of growth. Talk openly with your child about mistakes and model a positive response when they happen. When children see that mistakes are opportunities to learn—not failures—they are more likely to try again and problem-solve.

Talk through feelings together: Working toward a goal can bring frustration, disappointment, or self-doubt. Let your child know these feelings are normal. Support them by taking deep breaths together, pausing when emotions run high, and reflecting on past moments when they successfully kept going.

Support your child’s interests and passions: Children are more likely to persevere when they care deeply about what they are doing. Encourage activities your child enjoys, whether it’s sports, art, music, or leadership opportunities. Passion fuels motivation and helps children push through challenges.

Encourage support—and model it: Children learn perseverance when they feel supported by caregivers, family members, and friends. Offer encouragement, acknowledge effort, and celebrate persistence. When children see adults supporting them, they also learn how to encourage and uplift others.

Building Perseverance for Life

Talking with children about perseverance—and showing it through real-life examples—helps them develop discipline, confidence, and resilience. Stories from family experiences, books, or daily life can make perseverance easier to understand and practice. With consistent support, children learn that challenges are part of the journey—and that continuing forward can lead to meaningful growth and success.

At National Indian Child Care Association, we recognize perseverance as a foundational skill that supports children, families, and communities as they grow stronger together.