Last week, I took my 10-year-old daughter, Mia, on an adventure to see the iconic Hollywood sign. There are days when we can catch a glimpse of it from our living room, and we’ve often talked about hiking up there. While there’s a straightforward path frequented by tourists that is well-marked and paved, we opted for the challenging route—a two-mile trek with rocky terrain and a steep elevation change of 1,000 feet. As we navigated a ridge with a daunting 300-foot drop on one side, I ensured that Mia stayed close to me.
We’ve grown more adept at tackling these outings together. I’ve learned to be more patient, and Mia rarely cries anymore. Although she has a natural boldness, courage is a skill that requires practice. Every few weeks, we plan an adventure to push our boundaries. This time, it was the tough trail to the Hollywood sign. In the past, we’ve hiked the Grand Canyon, canoed through whitewater rapids, and even snorkeled with leopard sharks—though that experience was a bit of a disaster!
Sure, it would be easier and safer to spend our time watching movies or playing video games. However, I can’t help but think about the risks of a childhood devoid of adventure and the potential consequences of entering adulthood without the ability to face real challenges. Bad things can happen, but that’s true for most worthwhile endeavors, including life itself. I believe that the best way for my kids to learn which risks are worth taking is through experience.
After our hike, Mia excitedly shared photos with her friends, some of whom gasped at the sight of the cliff. She remarked, “Adventures are worth the mishaps.” While it’s clear that she borrowed this phrase, I appreciate that she’s starting to think that way. She’s beginning to grasp the rewards that such experiences can yield. In time, she will come to understand how they build character. Though our weekend excursions are primarily physical challenges, they also cultivate a different type of bravery.
Many of the hurdles Mia will face in life won’t be physical. The most significant tests will be moral ones. I want her to be prepared not just to confront physical dangers but to exhibit bravery in her interactions with others. While I feel immense pride when she conquers a cliff or rides a big wave, nothing compares to the joy I feel when she chooses to be kind. At her age, that could mean inviting a new student to sit with her at lunch, which she has done.
As she grows, standing up for others will involve much greater risks. I can only hope she never finds herself in daunting situations, like defending innocent lives in a war zone. Ideally, her biggest moral challenges would involve writing op-eds for the local paper or advocating for better books in the school library—ones that challenge conventional thinking. But I know my daughter; she is deeply affected by the suffering of others and will do what she can to help.
This is why we practice courage. One day, Mia will need to draw from the reservoir of bravery we’ve built together. In those moments, she’ll discover just how deep that well goes. And perhaps, if I’ve done my job well, she will remember my guiding hand on her shoulder, leading her past the cliffs toward the big white sign that awaits over the next ridge.
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Summary
In this article, Jamie shares her experiences teaching her daughter, Mia, the importance of courage through adventurous activities, emphasizing the significance of moral bravery in life. Their outings help Mia understand the value of facing challenges and being kind to others. The piece highlights the importance of preparing children for both physical and moral tests as they grow.