This article originally appeared in MindBodyGreen.
Connection is akin to love. It is one of the most vital and necessary elements of human existence. In fact, our happiness is reliant on the health of our relationships and the ability to assign meaning to our challenges. Our role as parents is to demonstrate to our children how we navigate the tough times, adapt to conflict, and ultimately come out on the other side stronger and with a better understanding of ourselves and others.
The inevitable roadblocks that life throws our way are perfect opportunities to show our children how to be present, how to face challenges, and how to grow through them. By modeling forgiveness and healing, we give our children a road map to help them develop grit, perseverance, and the ability to hold our heads high during strife. Difficulties are inevitable, but the way we handle them becomes our children's future goals and milestones.