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Be the Bison: Teaching Kids and Teens Resilience Through Life’s Challenges

Writer's picture: Kellie KingKellie King

Life isn’t always easy, and for kids and teens, challenges can feel overwhelming—whether it’s school stress, peer pressure, setbacks in sports, or personal struggles. As parents, coaches, and mentors, we want to equip young people with the confidence to tackle obstacles head-on rather than avoiding them.


That’s where the lesson of the bison comes in.


When a storm rolls across the plains, most animals run away, trying to escape. But the storm catches up, making their struggle last even longer. Bison do the opposite—they charge straight through the storm, facing it head-on. By doing so, they get through the challenge faster and come out stronger on the other side.


This mindset of facing challenges rather than running from them is a lesson we can teach children and teens to help them navigate life with courage, confidence, and resilience.



How to Teach the "Be the Bison" Mindset to Kids and Teens


1. Encourage Them to Face Their Fears Instead of Avoiding Them


Kids and teens often avoid uncomfortable situations—whether it’s trying a new sport, speaking up in class, or making new friends. But avoiding challenges doesn’t make them go away; it just makes them scarier.


How to Apply This:

  • Encourage your child to try new things, even when they feel nervous.

  • Praise effort and bravery, not just success.

  • Share stories about times you faced fears and how it helped you grow.


💡 Example: If a child is afraid of trying out for a team, remind them that facing the challenge will make them stronger, no matter the outcome.


 

2. Teach Them That Struggles Are Part of Growth


In sports, school, and life, setbacks happen. Whether it's losing a game, failing a test, or struggling with friendships, kids need to know that challenges don’t define them—how they respond does.


How to Apply This:

  • Teach them that failure is not the end—it’s part of getting better.

  • Help them reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than something to fear.

  • Celebrate persistence and small wins, even after struggles.


💡 Example: If your teen doesn’t make the basketball team, help them set goals to improve and try again rather than quitting.


 

3. Show Them the Power of a Positive Mindset


Bison don’t hesitate when the storm comes—they know they can get through it. Teaching kids to approach problems with confidence and determination can make all the difference.


How to Apply This:

  • Use positive language. Instead of “This is too hard,” encourage them to say, “This is a challenge, but I can figure it out.”

  • Remind them of past times they overcame difficulties, proving they can do it again.

  • Model resilience by handling your own challenges with a positive attitude.


💡 Example: If a child struggles with math and wants to give up, remind them of other times they learned something difficult and succeeded.


 

4. Build a Supportive Team Around Them


Bison don’t face storms alone—they move as a herd. Likewise, kids and teens need strong support systems of family, friends, coaches, and mentors who encourage them when times are tough.


How to Apply This:

  • Encourage teamwork and friendships in sports and activities.

  • Foster open conversations about struggles at home and school.

  • Be a safe space for kids to talk about challenges without judgment.


💡 Example: If your child faces bullying or social struggles, remind them they have a team behind them—family, teachers, and friends who will support them through it.


 

5. Help Them Take Action Instead of Overthinking


When kids worry about problems, they often freeze up, making the situation feel even bigger. Teaching them to take small, confident steps forward—just like the bison—helps them move through difficulties faster.


How to Apply This:

  • Break big challenges into smaller, manageable steps.

  • Encourage kids to focus on what they can control, not what they can’t.

  • Praise effort and action, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.


💡 Example: If a teen is overwhelmed with schoolwork, help them make a step-by-step plan instead of panicking.


 

"Be the Bison" in Sports, School, and Life



At The Bison Group, we believe in equipping young people with the resilience to face life’s challenges head-on. Sports teach kids to push through difficulty, work as a team, and stay strong in the face of adversity—just like bison facing the storm.


By encouraging kids to take on challenges rather than avoid them, we help build their confidence, mental toughness, and perseverance. These lessons don’t just apply to the game—they apply to life.


So whether it’s a tough test, a lost game, or a personal struggle, remind the young people in your life:


🌟 Don’t run from the storm. Charge through it. Be the Bison. 🌟

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