Grit, more than talent, shapes your child's future. Here’s why grit matters and how nurture it.

Imagine if J.K. Rowling had given up writing novels after her first rejection – or the many subsequent rejection slips she received. Luckily for Harry Potter fans all over the world, she persevered through 12 publishers turning her down, believing in a story that would ultimately become a global phenomenon. Or think of Michael Jordan, who didn’t make his high school basketball team but used that rejection as fuel to practise harder than ever, eventually becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time. Both J.K. Rowling and Michael Jordan had one superpower in common: Grit.

Grit is the passion and perseverance to stick with long-term goals and keep working towards them despite setbacks. In a world that often emphasises instant gratification, grit, one of the seven character strengths of our C.O.U.R.A.G.E. framework, is a rare but essential quality that helps children achieve their dreams. According to psychologist Angela Duckworth^[1], grit often outweighs intelligence in predicting success. This article explores why grit matters, the science behind it, and how you can help your child develop this essential skill.

Understanding grit and why it matters

Grit is about sticking with something even when it’s tough or progress is slow. Children with grit understand that success doesn’t come easily or quickly. They are willing to put in the effort, learn from mistakes and keep going when things get tough. In a rapidly changing world where challenges are inevitable, grit equips children with the determination to overcome obstacles and work towards their goals, no matter how daunting.

How grit can be your child's superpower

Repeated effort and practice, for example in learning to play a musical instrument, strengthen neural pathways in the brain, making skills and habits more automatic over time. Neuroscience reveals that persistence can literally rewire the brain, enabling it to perform better with continued effort. This process, known as neuroplasticity, demonstrates that consistent practice and perseverance (grit) are essential for mastering new skills and overcoming challenges.

Grit is also deeply connected to emotional regulation. Children who learn to manage frustration and disappointment are better equipped to persevere when difficulties arise. 

Instead of being derailed by setbacks, they can channel their emotions constructively, maintaining focus on their goals^[2].

Research from the University of Pennsylvania^[1] has found that students who demonstrate high levels of grit often outperform peers who have higher IQs in academic and extracurricular activities because they persist through failures and challenges. When children learn from mistakes and try again, they develop problem-solving skills and a growth mindset.

Why it's important for your child to develop grit

In a world where challenges are inevitable, grit equips children with the tools to persist, grow and succeed, even when circumstances seem difficult. Let’s explore how fostering this trait can empower your child to thrive both academically and personally:

• Academic success
  Angela Duckworth’s studies have shown that grit predicts academic achievement better than IQ. Children with grit stay committed to their studies, work through tough subjects, and improve over time, outperforming peers who give up easily^[3].
• Resilience in adversity
  Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Teach your child to expect setbacks as a part of the pathway to success and develop the trait of grit in them from young. Grit helps children bounce back from setbacks, whether it’s a disappointing grade, losing a sports match, or navigating a tough friendship.
• Future-readiness
  Grit ensures that your child is prepared for life’s challenges. Whether it’s succeeding in a demanding career, building strong relationships, or pursuing personal goals, grit provides the perseverance needed to thrive.

Practical ways you can cultivate grit in your child

Helping your child develop grit doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference. Here are some actions you can consider:

• Normalise failure: Knowing that failure is normal and a part of the process encourages children to view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. When children see mistakes and struggles as stepping stones, they are more likely to try again, persist and achieve long-term success.
  
  
• Set goals and celebrate progress: Teach your children to set long-term goals, such as mastering a musical instrument or improving their basketball skills. Celebrate milestones along the way to keep them motivated.
  
  
• Encourage a growth mindset: Show children that challenges are opportunities for growth. Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can’t do this yet” to shift their perspective on learning and effort.
  
  
• Let children face age-appropriate struggles: Resist the urge to step in at the first sign of difficulty. Instead, guide your children to persist through challenges and problem-solve on their own.
  
  
• Model grit as a parent: Share your own stories of perseverance, whether it’s completing a difficult work project or training for a marathon. Your example shows your child that persistence pays off.
  
  
• Create opportunities for passion: Help children discover hobbies or activities they truly enjoy, whether it’s painting, coding, or dancing. Passion fuels perseverance, making it easier to stick with goals over the long term.

Remember, grit isn’t just about enduring. It’s about persisting through challenges, embracing failure and staying focused on long-term goals. As parents, you can start fostering grit today by setting goals, celebrating progress, modelling perseverance, and encouraging your children to face struggles head-on. By doing so, you are giving them the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs and achieve their dreams, no matter how ambitious.

REVIEWED BY DR JACQUELINE CHUNG

References

^[1]Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
^[2]Gross, J. J. (2013). Emotion regulation: Taking stock and moving forward. Emotion, 13(3), 359–365. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032135
^[3]Eskreis-Winkler, L., Shulman, E. P., Beal, S. A., & Duckworth, A. L. (2014). The grit effect: Predicting retention in the military, the workplace, school, and marriage. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00036