Parenting & Family

Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine

Name: Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine
Author: Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Michele Borba, Ed.D.

24 minAudio8 insights

What you'll learn

•Why character strengths like self-confidence and empathy are crucial for children’s thriving.
•How to nurture self-control to improve focus, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
•The importance of integrity and how to cultivate a strong moral compass in kids.
•Ways to foster curiosity and creativity to prepare kids for a changing world.
•How perseverance and a growth mindset help children overcome challenges.
•Strategies to teach optimism and maintain hope despite adversity.
•Practical, age-appropriate activities and parenting tips to develop these strengths.

Who should read this

✓Parents seeking to raise resilient and confident children
✓Educators and school counselors focused on holistic child development
✓Mental health professionals working with youth
✓Anyone interested in character education and positive psychology

About this book

A transformative guide revealing seven key character strengths that help children overcome stress and thrive in today’s challenging world.

Did You Know?

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The concept of 'Thrivers' is based on decades of research including the Kauai Longitudinal Study by Emmy Werner.

2 more facts available in the app

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Hidden Crisis: Why Our Kids Are Striving but Not Thriving

3:45

8 Sections

Preview: The Hidden Crisis: Why Our Kids Are Striving but Not Thriving

In today's world, children are caught in a whirlwind of expectations, schedules, and relentless pressure to excel. Imagine a teenager waking up at 4 a.m. for swim practice, attending a packed school day filled with honors classes, then returning for more training before tackling hours of homework late into the night. Despite these impressive achievements, many feel exhausted, lonely, and emotionally drained. This paradox defines a generation of 'strivers'—kids who are constantly pushing themselves but not truly thriving. This phenomenon is not limited to any one socioeconomic group; from affluent suburbs to under-resourced communities, the story is the same: young people are overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected.

Why is this happening? The answer lies in what’s missing from their development: character. While cognitive skills and academic success are emphasized, the inner qualities that build resilience, kindness, and self-confidence are often neglected. Character is what turns potential into fulfillment and equips children to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Studies show that kids with strong character traits like empathy, perseverance, and optimism are more likely to succeed not only in school but in life.

Consider the analogy of a beautifully wrapped gift box that looks perfect on the outside but is empty inside. That’s how many children feel—like products being prepared for college admissions rather than whole human beings. Without the essential character strengths, they are vulnerable to burnout and mental health struggles.

This section sets the stage for understanding why thriving requires a shift from focusing solely on achievement to cultivating the heart, mind, and will. It invites us to rethink what success means and how we can nurture the qualities that truly matter. As we move forward, we will explore the seven essential character strengths that empower children to become Thrivers, not just Strivers.

Let us now delve into the first pillar of thriving: nurturing the heart through self-confidence.