Strength in Stress: What Trees Teach Us About Growth

A Note from Dassie’s Desk:

“Man is like a tree” is a well-known quote we reflect on each Tu B’Shevat.

In our learning, we’ve been exploring nature, trees, food groups, and Brachot, all tied to our rainforest-themed Mother’s Tea Party.

Trees grow and mature over time, shaped by the elements. Wind, storms, and other forces strengthen their roots, trunks, and branches. In response to these challenges, trees develop stress wood; a natural reinforcement that prevents them from snapping under pressure.

In a fascinating experiment, trees grown in a closed, protected ecosystem lacked exposure to wind and strain. Without the need to develop stress wood, they eventually toppled over, unable to withstand even minor challenges.

Like trees, we also need challenges to build resilience. Stress wood in life helps us develop perseverance, self-regulation, and inner strength. As parents, our role is not to shield our children from every hardship but to support them with love and empathy as they navigate difficulties. Growth happens when they learn to work through challenges, not when we remove obstacles for them.

Let’s embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for strength and growth.

Wishing you a Happy Tu B’Shevat and a Good Shabbos!