Lessons of Resilience From Childhood

When I was a child, many adults in my life—parents, neighbors, teachers, and Church leaders—taught me and my brother and sisters the following lessons. These five principles may be helpful for your children:

1.       Paying the price for privileges.

I knew that freedom to play with my friends in the coming days depended on whether or not I came home on time.

2.       The law of the harvest.

If I wanted money, I had to deliver the newspapers for my route and collect the money each month.

3.       Personal accountability and responsibility.

I had to complete my own homework, science fair projects, and merit badges.

4.       The law of restitution.

I could make up for misbehavior by apologizing and repairing the wrong. My parents sometimes suggested that I complete extra chores, such as pulling weeds.

5.       Learning from mistakes.

If I made my bed poorly, did not wash the dishes properly, or did not pull weeds properly, I had to redo these tasks correctly.

-Lyle K. Burrup