Author Archives: anika@gritpilekidz.com

Welcome to the Grit Pile Kidz Blog!

This space is dedicated to parents, teachers, and coaches who want to foster resilience, passion, determination, and raise strong, independent kids who can navigate challenges with confidence. Through inspiring stories, the latest research, and thought-provoking opinion pieces, we aim to equip you with insights that go beyond skill development and delve into building character, grit, and lifelong love for the activities children pursue.

A Message to Parents, Teachers, and Coaches

In many parts of North America, the landscape of youth activities has shifted. Unstructured, unsolicited play—once a cornerstone of childhood—has often been replaced by structured practice aimed at accelerating skill development. While this approach may yield immediate results, it risks undermining a child’s long-term relationship with their chosen activity. True growth stems from a love of play, discovery, and genuine fun.

As parents, let’s embrace a new perspective: one that celebrates the journey rather than just the outcome. Let’s prioritize the size of their “Grit Pile” over their “Achievement Pile,” focusing on growth, resilience, and joy.

Why Passion Matters

Passion is the heartbeat of grit—the engine that drives perseverance. Yet, in today’s ultra-competitive world, filled with youth sports leagues, academic pressures, and social media expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of this essential truth. Activities should serve as platforms for children to explore, learn, and develop life skills—not merely stepping stones to meet external benchmarks. When goals are imposed by others, kids lose agency, along with the invaluable lessons that come from experiencing failure.

Failure is not the enemy; it’s a vital part of learning. It builds resilience, shapes character, and fosters independence. But when we rush to shield children from failure through endless lessons and structured routines, we risk extinguishing their passion and, with it, their ability to thrive.

The Passion Score: A Simple Measure

Here’s a thought-provoking tool:

Passion Score = (Unsolicited, Unstructured Hours per Week) ÷ (Structured Hours per Week)

If this score falls below 100%, it may indicate a need for more unstructured time to allow the child’s natural interests and love for their activity to flourish. Passion, not obligation, should be the foundation of their journey.

Stories of Grit and Growth

The Grit Pile Kidz Blog brings you real-life stories from professional athletes and everyday heroes who embody grit, passion, and perseverance. These accounts highlight the value of commitment, the power of resilience, and the “find a way” mentality that fuels success—not just in sports, but in life.

Follow along with the GPK team as we explore what it means to grow, thrive, and help the next generation build their own Grit Piles. Together, let’s inspire kids to not only achieve but to love the journey that gets them there.

The GPK Team