Nordic Word of the Week: Sisu
- Growing Up Nordic
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Word: Sisu Pronunciation: See-soo Literal Meaning: Quiet inner strength; gentle perseverance.
The Philosophy:
There is a Finnish saying: "Happiness does not come from searching for it, but from living through it." We often confuse "gentle parenting" with "comfortable parenting." We want to shield our children from frustration, boredom, and cold. But in the Nordic tradition, we believe that a certain amount of discomfort is not just unavoidable, it is necessary. This is why we place such a heavy emphasis on outdoor play, regardless of the weather. When a child plays in the wind or the wet snow, they are learning a physical form of resilience. They learn that they can be cold and still have fun. They learn that discomfort is temporary. A child who can endure a wet mitten without melting down is a child who is building the emotional regulation required for adulthood.
Sisu is not about being harsh, or about ignoring a child's needs. It is about being a calm, sturdy presence while they navigate a challenge. It is looking at a frustrated child and saying, "I see that this is hard, I am right here, and I know you can handle it."
Conclusion:
We cannot give our children Sisu. It is a muscle they must build themselves. Our job is simply to stop interrupting the workout.
The Weekly Challenge:
This week, use Sisu as a parenting lens. When something feels difficult for your child getting dressed, completing a task, managing frustration, pause before stepping in.
Create space for safe effort (do not rescue too quickly).
Stay nearby with quiet presence (offer support without taking over).
Acknowledge persistence gently (“You kept trying. That took Sisu.”)
Do not turn it into pressure or performance. Let the experience belong to the child.
A Quiet Invitation
To live in closer rhythm with the season, explore our current Seasonal PlayBook.
A collection of low-prep, sensory-rich invitations to play; created to help you pause, connect, and gently inhabit the days, whatever the weather holds.
