By: Sarah Fields, B.A.

March is a month of in-between. Winter hasn’t fully let go, spring hasn’t fully arrived, and families often feel that same wobble inside their homes, a mix of restlessness, renewal, and the desire for a fresh start.

It’s the perfect month to lean into Natural Strength Parenting™, because this approach reminds us that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens the way March happens slowly, quietly, and then all at once.

March invites us to notice what’s emerging. Kids are stretching into new routines, new emotions, new challenges. Caregivers are often doing the same.

Natural Strength Parenting encourages us to:

• Notice strengths in ourselves and our children

• Name them out loud

• Nurture them through small, everyday moments

This month, think of strengths as seeds. Some are sprouting. Some are dormant. Some need pruning. All of them can grow. The soil for that growth, the 24 VIA character strengths; the natural gifts we all possess.

Three Strengths That Naturally Bloom in March

1. Hope – The Strength of Looking Forward

March is full of anticipation: warmer days, longer light, new possibilities.

You might notice Hope in your child when they:

• Talk about what they’re excited for

• Try again after a setback

• Imagine something new

2. Curiosity – The Strength of Wonder

As the world thaws, kids start asking more questions, exploring more, pushing boundaries.

You might notice Curiosity when your child:

• Experiments

• Asks “why”

• Wants to try something their own way

3. Perseverance – The Strength of Keeping at It

March can feel long. Kids (and adults) get tired. But they also keep going.

You might notice Perseverance when your child:

• Finishes a task even when frustrated

• Practices a skill

• Tries again after a mistake

How to Bring All 24 Strengths into Everyday Parenting

You don’t need a worksheet or a big activity. Strengths show up in the smallest moments.

Here are simple ways to weave them into daily life:

Catch strengths in the wild:

• Kindness in sharing

• Bravery in speaking up

• Self-Control in taking a breath

• Humor in lightening a tense moment

Use short, specific language:

• “That was Leadership.”

• “You showed Fairness.”

• “Your Love of Learning really came through.”

Create tiny opportunities:

• Let them help plan (Leadership)

• Ask them to teach you something (Love of Learning)

• Invite them to solve a problem (Judgment)

• Encourage them to rest when needed (Prudence)

Natural Strength Parenting begins with you.

This month, try asking yourself:

• Which of my strengths is helping me most right now

• Which strength feels underused and ready to grow

• Which strength might I be overusing and could rebalance

When caregivers honor their own strengths, kids learn to honor theirs.

March reminds us that change is already happening, even when we can’t see it yet.

Your child’s strengths are growing.

Your strengths are growing.

Your relationship is growing.

Natural Strength Parenting helps you notice the quiet beginnings that become lifelong confidence, connection, and resilience.