Over my years of teaching outdoors and running an outdoor school, I’ve learned a survival skill that transcends the wilderness and fits well within the home—it’s about how we guide our kids toward lives of meaning and connection.
Limits of Labels
When we say, “You’re a genius” or “You’re great,” kids might shy away from challenges, fearing failure or falling short of expectations. Similarly, labels suggesting they’re “not capable” can lead them to focus on perceived limitations rather than resilience and exploring diverse opportunities. Even well-intentioned labels can unintentionally narrow how kids view their potential contributions to the broader world.
Kids instinctively try to live up (or down) to our expectations. Labels—no matter how well-intentioned—put us in boxes. They create fixed concepts we may feel pressured to live up to or rebel against. Labels can lock kids into patterns of guarding their identity rather than growing.
Change the Narrative
But as a parent, I personally struggle with taking my own advice. I often need to imagine a different story. In my idealized parent brain, I hope to celebrate and reason through the challenges my kids face and the choices, efforts, and contributions they make:
- “You stayed focused and worked hard to solve that challenge—I feel proud.”
- “You showed thoughtfulness by welcoming and supporting the new camper.”
- “You went above and beyond while helping to organize the team campout.”
- “You went fishing with Grandma, and now she can’t stop talking about it.”
When we focus on the values of resilience, curiosity, and hard work—especially in service to others—we create pathways that help kids connect to something greater than themselves. They learn that their work matters—not because it defines their worth, but because it strengthens the world around them and their connection to it.
Purpose Generation
At Trackers, we’ve seen this purpose-driven approach create profound growth. Kids step up to challenges and ask how they grow into thoughtful adults who take responsibility for their place in the world, leaving it better for those who come after.
Our programs are not just about teaching outdoor skills; they’re about building character. Hard work and grit aren’t simply about personal achievement—they’re for contributing to the village, honoring the generations that came before, and caring for the natural world.
As parents, we can guide kids to learn and grow by reflecting on the outcomes of their choices. In doing so, our community can nurture a generation that values good work, accountability, and the fulfillment that comes from contributing to something greater than ourselves.
See you in the forest,
Molly Deis
Trackers Earth
Founder & Mom
P.S. I know this perspective may challenge some assumptions. But challenge sparks growth! At Trackers, we embrace hard conversations because they remind us of our purpose: connected communities that can meet the future with courage and care.