Why is fortitude so crucial in families? And what is it exactly? Also, how can I explain this word to my child?

According to the dictionary, fortitude is "the strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage."

Safety

Every person and family faces challenges at some stage of their lives, situations that might involve danger and pain.

We all have strong characters, which shine when placed in a potentially harmful position, showing our true strength. Fun times that require them stretching outside their comfort zone is when they can search for fortitude within too.

However, there's also no fun stuff.

What comes to mind is a TikTok video I saw recently. A woman recalled her father telling her at the age of 6 to scream and fight back if someone tried to abduct her.

The firm advice her father gave her was 'never let someone take you to the second place'.

Her father told her it was better to die in a public place with dignity. He said there were worse things than death. Her dad was thinking of the sexual abuse that could happen first.

Additionally, he shared that nothing good ever happens if taken to a 'second place'.

This is why fathers prefer their daughters to come across a bear than a man. Females too.

Strength of character

From observation, some children have potent characters.

Parents must guide their children when it is appropriate to be mentally and emotionally strong.

This is when the fun stuff happens and the necessary no fun stuff.

Boundaries are essential for children needing to take medication when sick or if they've had a burn to have running water running on the burn for 20 minutes.

These are times when the parent's strength of character needs to outweigh the child's.

Like the father mentioned above, it is essential to tell your children about potential dangers and what to do in those situations.

Sharing

What should we do if a parent collapses, a stranger comes to the front door, or someone touches them in a way that makes them uncomfortable? Talk to your child about what to do if someone threatens to hurt them or their family, especially if they are told it's a 'secret'?

Inform them that if they become sick or hurt, they will need to go to the hospital emergency department and follow the instructions of doctors and nurses who know how to make them feel better. That teeth will ache and cause a lot of pain, but dentists can help in those situations.

When children are aware of potential problems and how to deal with them, situations aren't as terrifying as something happening and not knowing what to do.

Have the strength of character to speak to your child about specific topics. Let them know that sometimes they will be asked to do things they don't want to do, but that's when you and potentially a doctor or nurse are trying to help them overcome pain.

Discuss with your child about situations you hope will never happen but how to address them if they do. After all, knowledge is power.