Encourage Resourcefulness!

Resourceful individuals use a combination of intellect, creativity, imagination, hard work, and determination to solve problems and arrive at solutions. They do not wait for someone else to provide the answers. They are willing to make mistakes and adjust their actions accordingly. Driven by curiosity, they demonstrate persistence as they work to accomplish their goals. Some of the world's greatest contributions in the arts, humanities, sciences, and other fields have come from these dynamic innovators.

To encourage a sense of resourcefulness in our children, we need to:

• allow them time to figure things out before jumping in to rescue.
• refuse to give answers to things they could find out for themselves.
• help them see mistakes as feedback, rather than failure.
• give them opportunities to be creative.
• provide time for imagination and dreaming.
• model resourcefulness as adults.
• let go of a perfectionistic mindset.
• limit time on the computer, television, and other electronic entertainment systems.
• refuse to let them use "boredom" as an excuse for lack of performance.
• invite them to figure out a way to get the help they need when necessary.

Copyright © 2008 by Holly A. Cox, L.C.P.C., C.D.C.®