You may be wondering what is Grit and more importantly, how do I grow grit in my children? Grit as defined by Dr. Angela Duckworth, the psychologist and researcher who coined the term is “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.”  The ability to be gritty—to stick with things that are important to you and bounce back from failure—is an essential component of success.

Here are five ways to cultivate grit in your child.

1. Help your child find his passion. Children feel that they should excel in everything: the arts, academics, sports, and socially. However, most of us are not wired to be strong in every area. That’s why it is essential for you to help your child find his strengths and grow his passion in an area that is important to him. It is when we feel passionate about a goal that grit can grow. For example, if your child loves animals, you can help him find work at an animal shelter or pet store. What if your child does not have a passion? Expose your child to different activities and see if something sticks. Also, remember this is about growing your child’ goals and passions, not yours.