Children need to see us practice courage… it’s a game-changer for how we parent. This isn’t about grand, heroic acts but the small, daily moments where we choose to be vulnerable and brave. It’s about showing, not just telling, our kids what it truly means to live with heart.
Share Image Quote:The core message is that courage is a behavior children must witness to understand, not just a concept they hear about. It’s about embodied learning.
Let me break this down for you. We tell our kids to “be brave” all the time, right? But if they never see *us* being brave—if they never see us apologize when we’re wrong, try something new and fail, or have a difficult conversation—then “courage” is just an empty word. It’s abstract. Kids are incredible observers of behavior. They learn what’s possible by watching what we *do*. So when we, as parents, model the messy, vulnerable act of courage—even when we’re scared—that’s when the lesson truly lands. It becomes a tangible, livable value.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Education (260) |
| Topics | courage (145), example (15), integrity (42) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | bold (60), encouraging (304) |
| Overall Quote Score | 86 (262) |
This quote comes directly from Brené Brown’s 2013 audiobook, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting. It’s a common-sense idea, which is why you might feel like you’ve heard it before, but its specific phrasing and application in parenting are uniquely hers.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection (35) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
| Quotation | Children need to see us practice courage, not talk about it |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2013; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1611801053; Last edition: 1st Edition (Sounds True, 2013). Number of pages: 160. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2013 edition, Chapter: Practicing Courage |
In the book, Brown frames this within the idea of “Wholehearted” parenting. She argues you can’t give your children what you don’t have yourself. So, practicing courage isn’t just for the kids’ benefit; it’s a non-negotiable part of our own growth and integrity as adults and parents.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Think about it in these everyday scenarios:
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Principle (838) |
| Audiences | leaders (2619), mentors (105), parents (430), teachers (1125) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | educational seminars (7), leadership programs (172), motivational speeches (345), parenting classes (11) |
Question: Does “practice courage” mean I can never show fear?
Answer: Absolutely not! In fact, showing fear and still moving forward is the *essence* of courage. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about being brave *with* your fear.
Question: What if I mess up while trying to model this?
Answer: Perfect! That’s the whole point. Messing up and then modeling how you handle *that*—with grace, self-compassion, and course-correction—is perhaps the most powerful lesson of all.
Question: Is this only for big, life-altering decisions?
Answer: No, it’s for the small stuff. It’s in the tiny, daily choices. It’s choosing to listen instead of react. It’s choosing to be kind when you’re tired. That’s the practice.
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