“Experts” used to believe that running a mile in under 4 minutes was impossible. No one had ever done it before, doctors thought the human body couldn’t sustain that level of strain, and it was kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. People believed it was impossible and therefore it was impossible.

Imagine being told that your child will never learn to handle their emotions independently or be responsible or that they can’t understand the value of hard work . It sounds limiting, doesn’t it?

Much like the long-held belief that no one could run a mile in under 4 minutes, we often underestimate what our children are capable of.

We focus on what they can’t yet do rather than what they could learn.

Back in 1954, breaking the 4-minute mile was considered impossible—until Roger Bannister came along and shattered that belief. Once he did it, others quickly followed. The path had been cleared, and the world saw it was possible.

Bannister’s breakthrough didn’t just change running records; it changed the way people approached their limitations.

 

Parenting is no different. As parents, we set the bar for what our children see as possible. If we model resilience, patience, and problem-solving, we’re giving our kids a roadmap. If they see us handling challenges without giving up, they understand that facing difficulty doesn’t mean failure.

Like Bannister, you have the power to “run the mile” in your own parenting approach—to show your kids that it’s possible to learn, to grow, and to push past what feels tough. This is the core of mentoring as parenting: leading by example and paving the way for your child’s growth, with them.

Examples alone can’t help unless connection and collaboration with child is addressed .

Mentoring in parenting is a lot like that: opening doors, shifting perspectives, and helping your child see that they’re capable of more than they might realize.

Mentor your child with subtle but powerful shifts:

1. Show, Don’t Tell
   Kids notice more than we think. If they see you persist when things get tough, it leaves a lasting impression. If you’re learning something new—like tackling a home project or even mastering a skill—let them witness it. They’ll see that challenges don’t define limits; they mark the start of learning.
2. Get Curious with Them(one of my favorites:)
   Instead of immediately solving their problems, ask guiding questions: “What do you think might work?” or “What’s one small step you could try?” The goal isn’t to have the answer but to show them they’re capable of finding it. Curiosity turns roadblocks into opportunities for discovery.
3. Emphasize Growth Over Perfection
   Acknowledge small steps forward. If they stick with a tricky math problem or practice a skill that doesn’t come easily, celebrate it. This reinforces that they don’t have to be “perfect” to make progress—persistence is its own victory.
4. Encourage Self-Reflection (Huge fan of this and is my go-to tool)
   Help them see what they’ve learned from the process. “How did you feel after finishing that project?” or “What would you do differently next time?” This isn’t about performance; it’s about letting them experience pride in their own growth.

Mentoring through parenting means helping your child view challenges as stepping stones. 

You’re giving them a toolkit, showing them what’s possible, and letting them feel that sense of achievement—knowing that if they’re willing to try, they’re capable of more than they once believed.

What tools do you use or would love to learn 🤗