Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme for May is centered around Courage. This month’s focus encourages students and families to see courage as something built through everyday choices, supportive relationships, and trying new experiences even when they feel uncertain. 

Westwind Elementary Counselor Robin Forsythe describes courage as a meaningful part of personal growth. 

“Courage is doing something you should do, even in the presence of fear or doubt. Courage gives a person confidence and reassurance with what he/she is capable of doing,” said Forsythe. 

She also explained how self-talk can influence a student’s ability to show courage. 

“Self-talk plays a role when it is negative, such as ‘I will never understand this.’ This negative self-talk breaks down one’s courage. Or when self-talk is positive, such as ‘It will get better,’ builds one up.” 

Forsythe emphasizes that adults can help create environments where students feel safe to take brave steps. 

“Adults can create safe environments for students to have courage with calm voices/music, consistent expectations, and helpful assistance from all,” said Forsythe.  

She also highlights the importance of recognizing progress over time. 

“Celebrating small steps gives students a scaffold to build a confidence bank. When a large step is in front of a student, adults can review the student’s bank with the student. This bank of successes reminds the student of what he/she has accomplished.” 

For May’s family challenge, students are encouraged to think of three things they would like to do this summer and choose one to try. Families are also asked to each list three activities they would like to do together and select one to complete as a shared adventure. 

Forsythe reminds families that courage develops over time through experience. 

“Everyone develops and uses courage throughout their life. It cannot be given. It can only be acquired from one’s life experiences,” she said. 

The Frenship Counseling Department encourages students and families to continue building courage through small steps, positive self-talk, and supportive relationships that strengthen confidence both inside and outside the classroom. 

 For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.