14 Signs You're Raising a Pretty Brave Child

Not every child is automatically or obviously courageous. Although some parents realize they are raising their child to be brave and confident when they see that their little one is outgoing and isn't afraid to fail, there are other attributes to a strong and gutsy little one that moms and dads might not realize. Brave children still recognize and feel fear, but they don't let it stop them. They also can be reckless and even bossy, but not because they are always trying to defy you. Instead, these little ones don't shy away from potential adversity and trust their guts enough to try and figure things out on their own without always seeking guidance first. These are the 14 signs that you have a fearless child on your hands.

01
They Are Always Willing to Try Something New.
Flickr user Steven Depolo

They Are Always Willing to Try Something New.

They don't care that they won't always be the best at everything, especially the first time. For these kiddos, negative outcomes don't outweigh having fun and what they could potentially gain from the experience.

02
They Question Whether They Could Fail but Don’t Use That as a Reason to Not Do It.
Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

They Question Whether They Could Fail but Don’t Use That as a Reason to Not Do It.

A brave child doesn't mean a child without fear. A courageous child can still recognize danger and failure but is confident enough not to let that fear stop him or her from trying something new.

03
They Don’t Always Follow Your Lead — Because They Are Busy Doing Their Own Thing.

They Don’t Always Follow Your Lead — Because They Are Busy Doing Their Own Thing.

While you might think your child is a bit too dependent, they aren't pushing you away. They just don't always feel the need to look for your guidance, input, or example because they are confident in their own actions and are brave enough to want to try and figure some things out on their own.

04
They Are Passionate About What They Believe In.
Flickr user amanda tipton

They Are Passionate About What They Believe In.

Once a brave child makes up his or her mind, they usually can't be easily swayed. They have a strong sense of self and and stay true to those beliefs despite any potential negative outcomes.

05
They Bounce Back From Failure.
Flickr user Matthew

They Bounce Back From Failure.

This child isn't afraid to fail and won't let past hardships prevent them from trying again. Instead of avoiding or being hesitant of certain experiences in the future, they take small steps to figure things out while trying again.

06
They Adjust Well to Change.
Flickr user alamodestuff

They Adjust Well to Change.

While your little one might thrive on a routine, they can also handle a change of plans without falling apart when there is a last-minute adjustment. This is because they are always thrilled to take part in the next adventure (even if that means they sometimes end up getting themselves into trouble).

07
They Let Their Ideas Be Known.
Flickr user Aikawa Ke

They Let Their Ideas Be Known.

They express their opinions, both big and small, not because they always think they are right, but because they don't fear the conversation or possible opposition.

08
They Try to Learn Things For Themselves.
Flickr user Jenny Lee Silver

They Try to Learn Things For Themselves.

When your little one doesn't like to do what they are told, it isn't always because they are trying to defy you. For some, they like to figure things out on their own and are brave enough to try alternative routes of getting there, even if you've warned them against it.

09
They Can Be Reckless.
Flickr user LadyDragonflyCC - >;<

They Can Be Reckless.

Although you might find yourself questioning your child's thinking and wishing they took more time out to contemplate the consequences before doing something, they're potentially hazardous behavior can also be a good thing. Some children are aware of the consequences but don't let the potential outcome stop them from following their gut — even if that leads them in a crazy direction.

10
They Test Their Limits Because They Aren’t Afraid of the Outcome.
Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

They Test Their Limits Because They Aren’t Afraid of the Outcome.

Brave children often go against the grain and push back against their parents because they don't fear exploring, trying new things, and seeing where that will get them.

11
They Like to Lead.
Flickr user David Baker

They Like to Lead.

Even if these children seem bossy at times, they are born leaders and are brave enough take responsibility for the group and defend their actions.

12
They Are the First to Befriend a New Kid.
Flickr user Vindy

They Are the First to Befriend a New Kid.

Some children are naturally welcoming to new kids and embrace unfamiliar situations because they just really don't care what others think of them. Instead of being shy around a new child, they are confident with their own group and will open themselves up to new friends because they don't fear negative outcomes for doing what they feel is right.

13
They Tend to Thrive Under Pressure.​
Flickr user Rob Macdonald

They Tend to Thrive Under Pressure.​

They lean into adversity and use pressure to push themselves instead of shrinking under the stress or fear of failure.

14
They Don’t Always Care What You — or Anyone Else — Thinks.
Flickr user roberto volterra

They Don’t Always Care What You — or Anyone Else — Thinks.

If your kid seems to march to the beat of their own drummer, it speaks to how they see the world. They don't feel the need to follow in the footsteps of others or try to blend in because they aren't worried about standing out. They prioritize following their instincts over always being accepted and blending in.