An undaunted mindset turns setbacks into fuel for growth, building confidence for the future.

As parents, we want our children to succeed in everything they try, whether it’s a speaking contest, a new sport or musical instrument, or something as seemingly simple as making new friends. As we watch from the sidelines, it’s easy to be tempted to step in when they face difficulty and help them out. But this doesn’t build our children’s confidence or ability to solve problems for themselves. We alleviate their frustration in the short term but rob them of the opportunity to develop the resilience they need to push past the barriers to success. 

According to a report by the American Psychological Association^[1], children with strong problem-solving skills and resilience are better equipped to navigate uncertainties in life. This article explores the importance of cultivating an undaunted mindset, a C.O.U.R.A.G.E. strength that is central to every Ranger Buddies mission, and offers practical strategies for parents to help their children thrive.

What is an undaunted mindset?
An undaunted mindset or “Undauntedness”, one of the seven character strengths of our C.O.U.R.A.G.E. framework, is the courage to face fear, take risks and embrace new experiences. It’s what drives children to try, even when success isn’t guaranteed. In a rapidly evolving world, being undaunted equips children with the confidence to adapt to change and seize opportunities.

This superpower is particularly important in overcoming the inevitable setbacks of life. Whether it’s presenting in front of a class or pursuing a big goal, undauntedness helps children push past self-doubt and focus on growth. It teaches them that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to success, making them more resilient and determined to reach their full potential in anything they try throughout their lives. 

If you feel that your child isn’t the type to face fear and try new experiences, it’s comforting to know that research has proven that this mindset can be cultivated^[2]. Psychologists David Scott Yeager and Carol S. Dweck’s research on growth mindsets reveals that those who perceive abilities as developable and not fixed are more inclined to embrace challenges and learn from failures. This perspective fosters resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving^[3], a learning that all Ranger Buddies embrace.

It's not all about results
We naturally want our children to excel in school as this might give them better opportunities in their future. However, an exclusive focus on grades can lead to avoidance behaviours when they fear failure. Instead of focusing solely on academics, try to encourage a well-rounded education approached with perseverance and a willingness to tackle difficult tasks. This can help your child view a challenging subject as an opportunity for growth, making your child more likely to engage and improve, rather than avoid the subject altogether.

An undaunted child is a future-ready child
In a future of rapid technological and societal changes, our children need to be adaptable and ready to face unprecedented challenges head on. So, how can you prepare them for that? Research indicates that resilience in childhood is linked to greater adaptability and success in adulthood. Plucking up the courage to try new things is not easy, but in doing so, children overcome challenges and gain confidence in their abilities, which then strengthens their courage to take on bigger challenges – and that becomes a powerful reinforcing loop. 

How to build an undaunted mindset

Start with the Why
When your child seems to give up at the first hurdle, how do you manage it? Knowing the reason behind your child’s fears will place you in a better position to provide your child with just the right amount of support without smothering them^[4]. There is probably a mix of reasons why your child wants to give up on a particular activity before they have mastered it: the teacher, fear of looking stupid, being seen as not “one of the crowd”, or it not being something they are naturally interested in as part of their character makeup. You need to know what the issues are before you can help address them. 

Set the scene 
Sometimes it’s simply the unfamiliarity that has your child begging to be excused. Acclimatising them to the activity before they start could be all that is needed. Introduce them to the teacher beforehand, have them watch a few classes to develop their curiosity and know what to expect – whatever you can do to alleviate the stress and fear of the unknown will help. 

Give them the tools they need

• Model resilience: Children learn by observing. Demonstrate how you handle challenges with determination and composure, showcasing problem-solving in everyday situations.
• Teach problem-solving skills: Guide your child in breaking down challenges into manageable steps, fostering confidence and competence in addressing difficulties.
• Encourage facing manageable challenges: Allow your child to encounter age-appropriate difficulties to build confidence and resilience.

Cultivate a success mindset

• Celebrate effort over outcomes: Signs of an undaunted mindset include persistence, creative problem-solving and composure under pressure. Celebrating these behaviours reinforces their importance and raises your child’s confidence in their own development. Encourage your child to reflect on their growth and acknowledge their efforts in overcoming challenges rather than placing full emphasis on a successful outcome. Praising effort rather than inherent ability encourages a growth mindset. This approach reinforces the value of persistence and learning from mistakes^[5].
• Normalise failure as a learning opportunity: Discuss failures openly, emphasising the lessons learned and the importance of perseverance.
• Use storytelling to illustrate resilience: Storytelling is one of the best ways to convey new learning that is easily recalled. Share stories with your child of people who have overcome obstacles, highlighting the value of determination and courage.

Involve their teachers
Dweck also notes that when children were supported at school and in the home in the belief that their abilities can be developed and that they shouldn’t give up, a growth mindset was more likely to take root^[6]. 

Educational environments that promote resilience through collaborative learning, creativity and critical thinking activities support the development of an undaunted mindset. So, consider collaborating with your child’s teachers to ensure that they are exposing your child to experiences that build resilience through collaborative learning. 

Developing an undaunted mindset is crucial for preparing your child to navigate the complexities of the future. By modelling resilience, celebrating effort and providing opportunities to face challenges, you as a parent can help your child develop this essential superpower. Empowering your child with an undaunted mindset equips them to approach life’s obstacles with confidence and adaptability, and to navigate any challenge that comes their way.

REVIEWED BY DR JACQUELINE CHUNG

References

^[1]American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience guide for parents and teachers. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/guide-parents-teachers
^[2]American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
^[3]Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed. Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2012.722805
^[4]Brightly. (n.d.). Expert tips to help your child step outside their comfort zone. Retrieved from https://www.readbrightly.com/expert-tips-help-child-step-outside-comfort-zone/
^[5]Brooks, R., & Goldstein, S. (2001). Raising resilient children: Fostering strength, hope, and optimism in your child. Lincolnwood, IL: Contemporary Books.
^[6]Association for Psychological Science. (n.d.). Carol Dweck on nurturing growth mindsets. APS Observer. Retrieved from https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/dweck-growth-mindsets