- Parenting, Resilience
10 Science-Backed Ways to Foster Everyday Courage in Your Teen or Tween
When we think of courage, we often picture running into burning buildings, performing in front of a crowd of thousands, or delivering a stirring speech that moves hearts. These are powerful acts of bravery—and teens and tweens are capable of them too. But more often, courage for young people shows up in smaller, everyday choices: speaking up in class, standing by a friend, admitting a mistake, or trying something completely new.
Science shows that practicing small acts of courage strengthens emotional resilience, builds self-confidence, and equips teens and tweens to handle bigger challenges over time. In this article, we explore 10 evidence-backed micro-brave acts that can shape stronger, more emotionally healthy young people.
1. Speaking Up for Themselves
Research from the University of California highlights that assertiveness training significantly boosts adolescent self-esteem and emotional well-being. Encouraging teens and tweens to voice their opinions, set boundaries, or ask for help develops self-advocacy skills essential for adulthood.
Science-Backed Tip: Role-play scenarios at home where your teen or tween practices respectfully disagreeing or expressing a need. Support them by modeling assertive, calm communication.
2. Trying New Activities
Studies from the Journal of Adolescence confirm that novelty-seeking behaviors are linked to personal growth when guided healthily. Trying out for a sport, joining a club, or simply attending a new social event helps young people expand their comfort zones and adapt to uncertainty.
Science-Backed Tip: Celebrate effort over outcome. Highlight the bravery it takes to try, regardless of success.
3. Admitting Mistakes
According to Harvard psychologist Dr. Susan David, emotional agility—the ability to acknowledge and learn from mistakes—is a cornerstone of resilience. When teens and tweens can admit faults without fear of shaming, they build authentic self-confidence.
Science-Backed Tip: Normalise mistake-making by sharing your own setbacks and focusing on the lessons learned.
4. Being Kind Without Expecting Recognition
Positive psychology studies show that acts of kindness release dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Random acts of kindness cultivate social bravery, especially when performed without public acknowledgment.
Science-Backed Tip: Inspire teens and tweens to embark on “secret kindness missions,” such as writing anonymous positive notes or helping someone without being seen.
5. Choosing Digital Detox Moments
Disconnecting from technology takes surprising courage in an always-online world. A 2022 Pew Research study found that intentional digital breaks improve mood and reduce anxiety in teens and tweens.
Science-Backed Tip: Establish “tech-free zones” at home, such as during meals or before bedtime, and encourage regular digital sabbaticals.
6. Defending a Peer Against Bullying
Research in adolescent development indicates that standing up for peers—often termed “defending behavior”—is closely associated with enhanced moral reasoning, increased compassion, and elevated prosocial behavior. Defending someone else, even with simple words like “that’s not cool,” reinforces a positive identity.
Science-Backed Tip: Empower your teen or tween with simple scripts they can use to safely intervene or seek help when witnessing bullying.
7. Reporting Abuse or Unsafe Situations
One of the bravest acts a young person can undertake is reporting abuse—whether it’s physical, emotional, or sexual—even when it involves someone they know or trust. Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry stresses that early reporting significantly improves recovery outcomes for young victims.
Science-Backed Tip: Educate your teen or tween about safe adults they can talk to and ensure they know they will be supported, believed, and protected.
8. Expressing Unpopular Opinions Respectfully
Expressing Unpopular Opinions Respectfully
Research by Stanford psychologist Dr. James Gross highlights how strategies like cognitive reappraisal—rethinking how we interpret situations—can improve emotional regulation, especially in adolescents. These skills are essential when navigating disagreement or expressing unpopular opinions.
Science-Backed Tip: Create safe spaces at home for “family debates” where kids can practice staying calm, listening actively, and expressing different views with respect. These moments help build emotional flexibility and critical thinking over time.
9. Sharing Vulnerabilities with Trusted People
Research by Dr. Brené Brown, professor and expert in social work and human connection, highlights that sharing fears or insecurities strengthens connection and resilience. For teens and tweens, opening up to a friend, parent, or mentor about something personal is an act of tremendous inner courage.
Science-Backed Tip: Praise the act of sharing without trying to “fix” the situation. Validate their bravery and listen actively.
10. Advocating for a Cause They Believe In
A study published in Child Development, an academic journal, links civic engagement during adolescence to long-term mental health and leadership skills.
Whether it’s environmental activism, mental health awareness, or social justice, taking action requires moral courage.
Science-Backed Tip: Encourage teens and tweens to get involved in causes they are passionate about, even starting with small steps like signing petitions or volunteering.
Courage isn’t a superpower reserved for a few; it’s a skill that can be cultivated every day. By encouraging and recognizing these small, science-backed acts of bravery, we help teens and tweens build confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, and inner strength. In a world that demands adaptability and authenticity, these tiny brave choices are the stepping stones to a strong, meaningful life.
Ready to foster even more courage in your young person's daily life?
The Academic & Wellbeing Planner 2nd Edition is now available! The first month of the planner is specially dedicated to Courage — emphasising that courage is about moving forward even when you’re scared. Throughout the planner you’ll find:
Practical tips for overcoming fear.
- Journaling prompts to reflect on brave moments.
- Inspiring real-life stories about courage and curiosity
- Fun challenges to build “courage muscles” day by day.
We’re cheering you on — every brave word, every small step, every courageous moment.
We’d love to hear how courage is showing up in your family. Share your story, big or small at talktous@wiselyandco.com. Your journey inspires more than you know.
We’re Here for You
Parenting tweens and teens isn’t always easy, but small steps can make a big difference. The Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner is here to support your family every step of the way.
If you ever have questions, need advice, or just want to share your child’s progress, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at talktous@wiselyandco.com. We’re in this together, cheering for you and your amazing kids.
References
Caravita, S. C. S., & Gini, G. (2019). Defending victims of bullying in the classroom: The role of moral disengagement, moral emotions, and empathy. Journal of Adolescence, 75, 1–10.
Brown, B. (2015). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Avery.
David, S. (2016). Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life. Penguin.
Pew Research Center. (2022). Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
McRae, K., Gross, J.J., Weber, J., Robertson, E.R., Sokol-Hessner, P. and Ray, R.D., 2012. The development of emotion regulation: An fMRI study of cognitive reappraisal in children, adolescents and young adults. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 7(1), pp.11–22. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsr061
Child Development Journal. (2024). Civic Engagement and Adolescent Mental Health. Society for Research in Child Development.
University of California. (2021). Assertiveness Training and Self-Esteem in Adolescents. Department of Psychology.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. (2023). The Impact of Early Reporting on Abuse Recovery Outcomes. Wiley.
