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Thrivers

Michele Borba Ed D.

Duration26 min
Key Points8 Key Points
Rating4.5 Rate

What's inside?

Discover the key traits that help some children thrive and succeed, while others struggle, and learn how to nurture these traits in your own child for their future success.

You'll learn

Learn1. What makes kids thrive? Seven key traits.
Learn2. Building bounce-back kids.
Learn3. Helping kids handle stress and tough times.
Learn4. Why empathy matters for kids' success.
Learn5. Boosting kids' self-belief and stick-to-it-ness.
Learn6. Growing a 'can-do' mindset in kids.

Key points

01What makes 'Thrivers' stand out?

Ever wondered why some kids seem to bounce back from adversity while others crumble under the same pressure? The answer lies in a concept called 'Thrivers', a term coined by Michele Borba in her book "Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine". 'Thrivers' are children who, despite facing adversity, manage to excel and shine. They're not just surviving; they're thriving. Think of it like a plant. A surviving plant might stay alive, but it's not growing or blossoming. A thriving plant, on the other hand, is vibrant, growing, and full of life. That's the difference between surviving and thriving. So, what makes 'Thrivers' unique? They possess certain traits that set them apart. These include self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. For instance, in Borba's book, she shares the story of a young girl named Lily. Despite growing up in a challenging environment, Lily exhibited these traits, showing remarkable resilience and a positive outlook on life. She didn't just survive her circumstances; she thrived, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. But these traits alone aren't enough. There are also certain internal and external factors that contribute to a 'Thriver's' success. Internally, 'Thrivers' have a strong sense of self and a positive mindset. Externally, they have supportive relationships and a nurturing environment. Take the example of another child from Borba's book, Alex. Alex had a supportive teacher who recognized his potential and provided him with the resources and encouragement he needed. This combination of internal and external factors enabled Alex to thrive despite his circumstances. Now, you might be wondering, what are these surprising reasons why some kids struggle and others shine? One of the key reasons is resilience. Resilience is not something that kids either have or don't have. It's a skill that can be nurtured and developed. Borba's research shows that kids who are taught resilience strategies are more likely to become 'Thrivers'. Another reason is the presence of at least one supportive adult in a child's life. This could be a parent, a teacher, or a mentor. These adults provide the encouragement and support that kids need to overcome adversity and thrive. In conclusion, 'Thrivers' are not just born; they're made. They possess certain traits, are influenced by internal and external factors, and benefit from resilience strategies and supportive relationships. So, the next time you see a child overcoming adversity and shining brightly, remember, they're not just surviving; they're thriving. And the question we should be asking ourselves is, how can we help more children to become 'Thrivers'?

02"7 Key Strengths for Children's Success"

In the journey of life, children are like little explorers, navigating through the vast landscape of experiences, emotions, and relationships. Their success, however, isn't just about academic achievements or athletic prowess. It's about developing certain character strengths that equip them to face life's challenges and thrive. Michele Borba, in her book "Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine", identifies seven key strengths that are instrumental in children's success. Let's start with self-confidence. It's like a child's inner compass, guiding them through life's ups and downs. When children believe in their abilities, they are more likely to take on challenges, bounce back from failures, and strive for success. It's the fuel that powers their journey towards their goals. Next up is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It's like a bridge that connects children to their peers, fostering positive social interactions. Empathy contributes to a child's emotional well-being and success by helping them build strong, healthy relationships. Then we have self-control, the ability to resist immediate gratifications in favor of long-term goals. It's like the brakes on a car, helping children slow down, make thoughtful decisions, and resist temptations. This strength is crucial for children to stay focused on their goals and make wise choices. Integrity is another key strength. It's the cornerstone of trust and respect. When children act with integrity, they earn the trust and respect of others, which is fundamental for successful interpersonal relationships. Curiosity, the desire to learn and explore, is like a spark that ignites a child's interest in the world around them. It drives their intellectual growth and development, encouraging them to ask questions, seek answers, and expand their knowledge. Perseverance, the ability to keep going despite obstacles, is like a mountain climber's determination to reach the summit. It helps children overcome challenges, stay committed to their goals, and achieve their dreams. Finally, there's optimism, the ability to maintain a positive outlook on life. It's like a ray of sunshine that brightens a child's world, helping them see the good in situations and maintain emotional resilience. But knowing these strengths isn't enough. It's crucial to nurture and develop them in children. Parents, educators, and caregivers can play a significant role here. They can encourage children to believe in themselves, show empathy towards others, exercise self-control, act with integrity, stay curious, persevere in the face of challenges, and maintain a positive attitude. In conclusion, the seven key strengths - self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism - are not just desirable qualities. They are essential tools that equip children for success. And it's up to us - parents, educators, and caregivers - to help children develop these strengths and shine in their own unique ways.

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03Understanding the Struggles of Children: Environmental, Genetic, and Societal Factors

04How to Foster Character Strengths in Children

05How does mindset impact a child's ability to thrive?

06How to help children thrive in the digital age?

07"Adapting and Thriving: The Future of Child Development"

08Conclusion

About Michele Borba Ed D.

Michele Borba, Ed.D., is an internationally recognized educational psychologist and expert in parenting, bullying, and character development. She is an award-winning author of 22 books and a motivational speaker, often appearing on NBC's Today Show as a regular contributor. Her work focuses on strengthening children's empathy and resilience.