Guiding Children Through Challenge: Parenting Lessons in Perseverance with Brett Romberg

Perseverance can be defined as “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles.” We all experience challenges in our lives. There are moments when things feel hard, when we think “I can’t do this” or feel tempted to give up on a big task. Perseverance reminds us that these moments are opportunities to grow. By developing tools to work through challenges, we learn to keep going instead of giving up.

This month, we’re excited to explore Perseverance alongside Brett Romberg, proud St. Thomas parent of Tiffany ‘25, Mila ‘27 and Ella ‘30.

Brett is a former professional football player best known for his time as a center at the University of Miami and in the NFL. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Brett anchored one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football history and helped lead the Miami Hurricanes to a 2001 National Championship. He was later recognized as the nation’s top center, earning the Dave Rimington Trophy and All-American honors.

After playing in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, and Atlanta Falcons, Brett transitioned into sports media and business. Today, he is equally proud of his role off the field as a devoted, hands-on parent, bringing values of perseverance, leadership, and teamwork into everyday family life.

 

Focus on the little things and the process...these little victories will transform organically into confidence in the face of adversity.

Brett Romberg, Proud Parent of Tiffany ‘25, Mila ‘27, and Ella '30; Former University of Miami and Professional Football Player

 

To help us as parents foster perseverance at home with our children, I asked Brett to share his thoughts on how to make perseverance a meaningful part of family life. Drawing from his experiences both on and off the field, Brett offers practical insights into encouraging children to keep trying, learn from mistakes, and grow through challenges. Let’s dive in!

 

Q: How do you explain perseverance to children in a way they can easily understand?

Brett: I tell my kids this all of the time, and I sometimes have to remind myself of this: the things in life that are easy, handed to you, and tasks that do not require much effort to complete are quite often forgettable and lack a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. We all as humans want to feel accomplished, valued, and respected. When we overcome these tougher challenges, large or small, an overwhelming feeling of pride and self worth fills us. Like chocolate or candy, you want more of it. I also teach my kids to have a “never lose, only learn” mentality. There is no shame in coming up short when you’ve given your best efforts. You will learn more in your losses than you will in your wins.
 

Q: Can you share a moment from your football career when perseverance made a big difference?

Brett: It was the 2000 Nokia Sugar Bowl vs the Florida Gators and I was going head to head with the #1 defensive tackle in college football. I was just a kid in my first year starting and he was a grown man. Even my coaches questioned if I would be able to handle that challenge. Not only did I accept the challenge, I bathed in the opportunity of fighting him for 69 plays, 43 of which were running plays. We destroyed them 37-20 that night in New Orleans. The following year I was considered the best center in college football and he became the third overall pick in the NFL draft. It was a massive boost to my confidence as a player and also my potential to play in the NFL.
 

Q: How can parents encourage perseverance without putting too much pressure on their children?

Brett: I would say to focus on the little things and the process, rather than the outcome. Doing the smallest of things the proper way, the right way. These little tasks like making their beds, brushing their teeth, tucking in their shirts, remembering their water bottles and sweaters, hanging up their towels after a shower, and making sure their surface is charging overnight builds accountability and consistency. All of these little victories will transform organically into confidence in the face of adversity because they have been tasked all week with challenges.  

 

Q: What advice do you have for kids who get frustrated when they don’t perform as well as they hoped?

In life we all “hope” for the best outcomes, but you can’t hope for something you didn’t visualize, prepare, or practice for. Luck is nothing but preparation meeting opportunity. You cannot expect a great outcome if you haven’t prepared for it.  Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. How could you be upset about something that you haven’t worked hard to achieve?  

 

Q: What role does goal-setting play for young athletes, and how should parents guide it?

In sports, the mental is just as important as the physical. Just about every single professional athlete that I have ever met or read about does visualization. They go over the plays in their mind and visualize themselves being successful in that moment. It is one thing to set goals, but it's another thing to achieve them. Make yourself accountable to your goals by writing them down, reviewing them often, and sharing them with others. It will help prevent a lackadaisical attitude towards them and people can help remind you to stay on track.
 

Q: What are some simple ways families can model perseverance at home?

I would say by being accountable to each other. Be where you said you will be, and do what you said you will do when you are supposed to do it. Always encourage each other by reminding each other that they are not alone in this fight. Each family is a TEAM. Remember, it’s that little extra that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.    
 

Q: How do you help children learn from mistakes instead of feeling discouraged by them?

I have learned throughout my athletic career that you always need time to digest both wins and losses. Whether the outcome was good or bad, you need time to reflect, calm down, and rationalize. This is why the media is not allowed in locker rooms for 15 minutes post-games. Players need to calm their emotions, reflect, and compartmentalize. Do not start asking your kids "why" and "how come".  Let them analyze what they just did and wait for them to explain. Oftentimes you start to talk about something else and sure enough they will tell you exactly what you are looking to extract from them. Kids will say the darndest things; let them find their own way to explain what happened and why they had the outcome they did. Then, I implement the 24 Hour rule. Enjoy the win for 24 hours, then move on. Same goes with the losses or mistakes. Don’t dwell on them for more than 24 hours.

 

Thank you to Brett for sharing his time, perspective, and thoughtful insights with our community! His reflections remind us that perseverance is built not in singular moments of success, but through daily effort, accountability, and a willingness to learn from both wins and setbacks. As we partner together to support our students, Brett’s words encourage us to keep showing up, keep trying, and trust that growth comes through persistence.