How to Foster Grit in Your Children

The Maclean Brothers @themacleanbrothers

For past few weeks, I've been captivated by the incredible journey of the Maclean brothers – Lachlan, Ewan, and Jamie – three brothers from Edinburgh rowing across the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Australia. Their Instagram (@themacleanbrothers) chronicles their unsupported, five-month voyage, raising £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. When I feel challenged at any point in the day, I think to myself at least 'I'm not in the middle of the pacific in a rowing boat', and look forward to their daily newsletter 'Ship's Log' to put my challenges into perspective.

Their story highlights the importance of grit – a combination of passion and persistent effort towards long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks. While we don't all aspire that our children become transpacific rowers, we do want them to be resilient and reach their full potential. Many business leaders attribute a large part of their success to having grit and resilience. The brothers educational background, started at Edinburgh Steiner School and continued at Edinburgh Academy, which likely contributed to their development, no doubt their parents nature and nurture has had the most influence in the 'gritty' characters.

Can we, as parents, cultivate the grit, passion, and perseverance in our own children?

Insights from podcasts and Angela Duckworth's book "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," offers valuable lessons.

Here's how to nurture grit in your children:

• Cultivate a Growth Mindset

  Emphasise that abilities are developed through effort and learning from mistakes, not fixed traits.

• Encourage Perseverance

  Teach the importance of persistent effort in overcoming challenges.

• Promote Deliberate Practice

  Guide them in effective practice strategies to improve skills.

• Uncover Passions

  Help them identify their interests and encourage their pursuit.

• Embrace Mistakes as Learning

  Frame setbacks as opportunities for growth, not failures.

• Model Gritty Behaviour

  Show your children, through your own actions, the importance of perseverance and achieving goals.

Important Considerations:

• Individual Differences:

  Grit development varies between individuals; progress occurs at different paces.

• Contextual Factors

  The effectiveness of grit-building strategies varies depending on the situation.

• Holistic Approach

  Grit is just one piece; self-regulation, motivation, and resilience are equally crucial.

Inspired by Rowers:

Learn more about The Maclean brothers' incredible adventure and support their cause through their Instagram here, TikTok here, and Youtube here. Their website  www.themacleanbrothers.com is the best place to find out more about the row, their charity to raise £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar.