We've all heard that old parenting cliché "if your friend jumped off a cliff, would you, too?" Maybe we've even said it to our own kids, trying to make the point that thinking and making decisions for themselves is a vital life skill. But asking that hypothetical question isn't enough to teach your children not to be doormats. Call it inner strength, confidence, self-assurance, tenacity, pluck, or grit . . . whatever term you choose, what it means is that no matter what life throws at our children (and we all know it will throw its fair share of ugliness), they'll be able to take it, brush it off, and keep on moving, still believing in themselves as much as they ever had.
Mental strength isn't about acting physically tough, unemotional, or unkind, it's about being resilient and having the courage and confidence to remain focused and positive. It's about being sure-footed enough in your own beliefs and actions that you're able to stand up to those who would throw you off course without fear. Here are seven concrete parenting steps you should be taking to help your kids find their own inner strength.