I See You, Being Brave

 by Charlotte Bennardo

I don't think any of us really consider ourselves brave-until we have no other choice but to do something that may scare or intimidate us. But is that bravery, or just being backed into a corner?

We hear all these stories about brave people, like firefighters rescuing people from burning buildings. That's brave. Or the soldier who fought an enemy to keep the nation safe. That's brave. And then the person who donated a kidney or bone marrow to save a stranger's life. That's brave.

But what can kids do? They aren't as strong or smart, or able to do things like adults. How can they be brave?

Kids show us every day how they are brave: sitting with a new kid at the lunch table so they're not alone. Speaking up against a bully who's tormenting some younger kid on the bus. Challenging an adult who is making them feel uncomfortable. Arguing with their friends who want to play a hurtful prank on someone. Hugging someone because that person needed a hug. Choosing someone to be on their team even though the other kid can't play the game well. Asking a kid with a physical or emotional challenge to be their friend. Raising their hand to be the first to do something like read in front of the class, even though they sometimes have trouble with words. Sharing a lunch or snack with someone who doesn't have anything. Helping someone who may not always be nice with their homework. 

Photo by Archie Binamira: https://www.pexels.com/photo/toddlers-forming-a-circle-754769/

Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-brown-long-sleeve-shirt-sitting-beside-woman-in-black-pants-6182417/

Photo by olia danilevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brother-and-sister-with-books-on-their-heads-5088188/

There are thousands of ways kids are brave, everyday superheroes. What we need to do is see all those ways, and let them know how brave they are. 

Charlotte writes MG, YA, NA, and adult novels in sci fi, fantasy, contemporary, paranormal and romance genres. Her latest YA fantasy novel, The Excalibur Vow, just released. She is the author of the award-winning middle grade Evolution Revolution trilogy, Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons. She co-authored the YA novels Blonde OPS, Sirenz, and Sirenz Back in Fashion. She has several short stories in various anthologies. Having finished her MFA, she's applying what she learned and is working on several children's and adult novels, and other short stories. She lives in NJ with her family and floofy cat Mink, and a squirrel who insists on digging up her geraniums.