Principal's Ponderings

Raising Resilient Adults in a Changing World

We have the privilege of witnessing growth every day academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Watching our children develop into young women and men of strong character and faith is one of the greatest blessings we experience. Whether our role is either parent, educator or mentor it is not only to raise children but to prepare them for adulthood, to be resilient, faith-filled and anchored in Christ despite the shifting cultural tides.

In our world today, our children face immense pressure and challenges. Pressures to conform, to succeed by the world’s standards and to define their identity outside of Christ. But our call as Christian parents is to raise resilient adults who stand firm in their faith, who persevere in trials and who shine the light of Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.

Resilience is not merely about bouncing back from difficulties, it is about moving forward in faith, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness as we read in 2 Corinthians 12:9. As parents, we must teach our children to rely on God, not just in a crisis but in every aspect of life.

C.S. Lewis wisely said, "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." When our children encounter challenges, whether academic, social, or personal, we as adults around them, are enriching them if we remind them that these moments are shaping them into the people God has called them to be.

James 1:2-4 encourages us to "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Teaching our children that struggle is not a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth, is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

Let us encourage our children and teenagers to take risks, to try and fail, to get up and try again. John Maxwell said, "Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward." The world will tell them to seek comfort and avoid hardship, but we must teach them that true strength is built in the refining fire of perseverance.

A resilient adult is one who knows who they are in Christ and refuses to let the world redefine them. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

When the world tells them to chase success, we must remind them that their worth is found in Christ alone. Let us model this truth in our own lives so they see faith in action.

Raising resilient adults does not happen by accident, and it starts even in the kinder and primary ages. It requires intentional faith, courageous perseverance and unwavering love. Let us commit to being parents and a school community who equip our children, not just to survive in this world, but to thrive in the strength and truth of Jesus Christ.

May we trust that God, who began a good work in them, will carry it to completion, as we read from the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6, 'Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.'

Shalom,

Chad Smit

For further information read or listen (with audiobook) to "Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character That Changes Culture" by Dr. Kathy Koch. She emphasises the importance of instilling biblical character in children to positively influence their decisions, actions and attitudes. Koch argues that while behaviour modification is often a focus, developing underlying character is crucial for lasting impact. She provides practical guidance on teaching and modelling virtues such as humility, gratitude, respect, bravery, compassion and joy, aiming to help children flourish and fulfill their God-given purposes.