Meet Hamet the Hippo: Embracing Courage in Everyday Life
By Dr. Kristi Smith, D.Ed., M.Ed.
Building strong character in children not only helps them grow into confident individuals, but also equips them with the skills they need to face the challenges of life. The curriculum philosophy at Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools includes creating a learning environment that leads to children developing a spirit of curiosity, inquiry, and investigation. This type of learning environment leads to a life-long love for learning that is free from typical fearful restraints. This month, we are thrilled to introduce Hamet the Hippo, our brave friend who teaches us all about courage!
Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear - When we think about courage, we often think about big, heroic moments. But real courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about acting even when we feel nervous or unsure. Courage is about standing up for what’s right, trying something new, and continuing to move forward, even when things are tough.
Hamet the Hippo is a great example of this! He might be big, but he isn’t immune to feeling nervous or unsure. Whether he’s wading into unknown waters or vocalizing when something isn’t right, Hamet shows us that courage is about doing the right thing.
What Courage Looks Like - Children might think of courage as something only for “heroes” or “superheroes,” but the truth is, courage shows up in the small, everyday moments. Here are some ways we can support and inspire bravery in children:
- Asking for Help – No one can do everything alone and sometimes the bravest thing is to ask for help when we need it.
- Not Giving Up – After making a mistake or facing failure, courage means trying again, learning from the experience, and moving forward.
- Trying Something New – Whether it’s starting a new activity, meeting new friends, or learning something different, courage means “giving it a try”—even if we feel unsure.
- Standing Up for What’s Right – If someone is being treated unfairly, courage means standing up for them, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Choosing the Right Path – Courage is about making good choices, even when they’re hard or unpopular.
The Value of Raising Courageous Children - As teachers and parents, we all want our children to grow up confident and strong, able to face whatever challenges come their way. Teaching children the value of courage helps them build resilience, take risks in a healthy way, and learn from both successes and setbacks.
Courage is an essential skill for life; children will face new situations, navigate friendships, and take on challenges both in and out of the classroom. By fostering courage early, we equip them with the tools to face these situations head-on with confidence. One of the most powerful ways we can teach courage is by modeling it ourselves. When our children see us step outside our comfort zones, try new things, and handle tough situations with courage, they learn that bravery is not just a trait for “big moments,” but something we can practice every day.
We can help nurture bravery in our children by encouraging them to embrace challenges and supporting them when they feel unsure. Remind them that courage doesn’t mean there won’t be fear, it’s about facing fear with a positive attitude and a willingness to grow. Just like Hamet the Hippo, we can all practice courage in our own way. Whether it’s speaking up for a friend, trying something new, or simply pushing through difficult situations, each act of courage strengthens us. Together, we can raise a generation of children who know that courage is within them, and with a little bravery, they can accomplish great things.
Embrace courage, just like Hamet the Hippo, and encourage our children to be brave every day!