As parents, we want the best for our children. We encourage them to be kind, to share, and to be considerate of others. But there’s one lesson that is often overlooked: teaching them not to give up their place too easily.
In life, there will always be people—friends, classmates, even colleagues later on—who will subtly or openly suggest that they should step aside. “This club isn’t for you,” “This job is terrible, I’m going to quit,” “You don’t really belong here.” If your child isn’t prepared, they might believe these words and walk away from opportunities that were rightfully theirs.
The Story of Alex, 19
Alex was passionate about theater. When he got into the university drama club, he was thrilled. But from the start, he heard his peers complain: “This club is full of favoritism,” “It’s impossible to get a good role unless you know the right people.” Little by little, their words got to him. Doubt crept in. Instead of pushing forward and proving himself, Alex quit.
A few years later, he returned to visit his old university and saw that those same classmates—who had been so negative—were still in the club. Some had even landed great roles! They hadn’t quit. They had just made him believe it wasn’t worth it.
The Hidden Trap: Social Influence
Alex fell into a common psychological trap: when we hear negative opinions repeatedly, we assume they are true. But in reality, many people complain as a way to test others or to make themselves feel better. Those who stay often benefit from others leaving.
This happens in school, in extracurricular activities, and later, in the workplace. If children grow up believing that quitting is the best option when faced with doubts, they risk missing out on opportunities and regretting it later.
How to Teach Resilience
As parents, we can help our children develop the mindset to stand their ground:
- Teach them to analyze situations critically – Encourage them to question why others are saying negative things. Do these people have a hidden agenda?
- Strengthen their confidence – Help them trust their own judgment instead of relying on the opinions of others.
- Encourage perseverance – Remind them that challenges are normal, and success comes from persistence.
- Practice mindfulness and self-awareness – Breathing exercises, visualization, and relaxation techniques (like those used in sophrology) can help them stay calm and make decisions based on their own feelings, not external pressure.
A Final Thought
In a world where competition is everywhere, it’s crucial to teach children that their place is valuable. If they have earned something—a position, a role, an opportunity—they shouldn’t be quick to step aside just because others plant doubts in their minds.
Those who say “this isn’t worth it” are often the ones who stay and succeed. Don’t let your child be the one who walks away.
