Perseverance is the Character Trait selected by Wake County Public School System for focus during the month of March. The definition of Perseverance taken from the "Character Education Informational Handbook & Guide", produced by the Public Schools of North Carolina, is "being persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement; and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures."   That's a big job.
We must raise consciousness in our children as to its importance and relevance throughout their life. The pride and self-esteem that comes from accomplishing a challenging task or goal justifies perseverance as a valuable ability. This world of many unexpected detours and pitfalls requires it.
Perseverance at Home: Dotson & Dotson in their book, Teaching Character, A Parents Guide, list these ways of encouraging perseverance in your child:

• Support your child in playing a sport or musical instrument and don't let them quit until they've worked at it for a reasonable length of time.
  
• Be nearby when your child is doing homework and offer support when frustrated. Having a bit of help can keep them from giving up easily.
  
• Avoid paying for good grades. Help him or her work towards good grades for the sake of learning and being successful, not for pay.
  
• Assist your child in setting goals and timelines for reaching them.