Meet Laseef the Lion: Encouraging Children to Take Pride in Their Accomplishments
At Children's Lighthouse, we believe in helping children develop strong character values that guide them as they grow. This month, we are excited to introduce Laseef the Lion, our courageous and confident friend who represents pride in our contributions and accomplishments!
Pride is a powerful and positive feeling that comes from working hard and achieving our goals. It is about recognizing our own accomplishments and celebrating the success of others. When children feel proud of what they have contributed and what they have achieved, they build confidence, self-motivation, and a desire to continue participating, learning, and growing.
Laseef the Lion reminds us that it’s important to acknowledge our efforts and be proud of the progress we make. Whether it’s learning to tie a shoe, completing a puzzle, or showing kindness to a friend, every positive contribution or achievement—big or small—deserves recognition.
Meet Children’s Lighthouse’s Character Value Friend™, Laseef the Lion
Laseef lives in Saudi Arabia, on the continent of Asia. There are many lessons we can learn from Laseef regarding pride in our group contributions and individual accomplishments. Laseef has a beautiful fur mane around his head, which he constantly grooms and cleans. A long, healthy mane is a sign of strength, and he takes great pride in how it shines in the sun. Laseef’s name means "shining" or "glittering" in Arabic—just like his mane, which reflects the sunlight as he moves proudly through his home. Unlike many other big cats, lions are social animals that live in groups called prides. Lions are often called the "king of the beasts" and carry themselves with dignity and strength. Laseef’s story teaches children that contributing to groups, taking care of themselves, working toward their goals, and appreciating hard work are all important aspects of having pride.
How Can Families Teach Children to Take Pride in Their Accomplishments?
Helping children develop a sense of pride in their achievements builds confidence and encourages them to keep trying, even when things are difficult. Here are some ways families can nurture pride in young children:
- Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results – Praise children for their hard work, determination, and improvement, rather than only focusing on the outcome.
- Encourage Simple Goal Setting – Help children set small, achievable goals, whether it’s learning a new skill or completing a project, and celebrate when they accomplish them.
- Foster Independence – Allow children to try things on their own, even if they make mistakes, so they can experience the pride of accomplishing something by themselves.
- Teach the Importance of Practice – Remind children that learning takes time, and that practice helps them improve and reach their goals.
- Model Pride and Gratitude – Show children how to take pride in their own work and accomplishments while also recognizing and appreciating the achievements of others.
The Power of Pride
When children feel proud of their achievements, they develop a sense of self-worth and confidence that helps them tackle new challenges with enthusiasm. Laseef the Lion teaches us that pride is about more than just success—it’s about recognizing hard work, perseverance, and the joy of accomplishment.
By encouraging children to take pride in their group and individual efforts, we help them develop a positive self-image that will stay with them as they grow.
Teachers and families can inspire children to take pride in themselves and their accomplishments, just like Laseef the Lion!