17 Tips on How to Help Your Child Become More Resilient
Raising resilient children is something all moms hope to do.
But what does it mean to be resilient, and how can you help your child become more resilient?
This post will provide tips on how to help your child become more resilient and thrive even in the face of adversity.
So read on for helpful advice!
Why Is It important For A Child To Be Resilient?
Growing up is not easy. There are many challenges and obstacles that children face daily.
These can range from small setbacks, such as not being able to reach a toy on the shelf, to larger problems, such as dealing with bullies at school.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and hardships.
Children who can problem-solve, self-regulate, and cope with stress during tough times are better able to cope with adversity and setbacks.
Resilient kids have a positive outlook on life and believe that they can overcome any obstacle. As a result, they are more likely to persevere when faced with difficulties.
Resilience is the key ingredient for success in life.
What Are the Characteristics of a Resilient Child?
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Some of the characteristics of a resilient child include:
The ability to adapt to change
Resilient children are flexible and can adapt to changes easily. For example, if there is a change in plans, they can go with the flow, instead of getting upset.
The ability to regulate emotions
Resilient children can control their emotions. They understand that it is okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated, but they know how to manage these emotions positively.
The ability to persevere in the face of adversity
Resilient children do not give up easily. When faced with a challenge, they are determined to find a solution. For example, if they are having trouble with a math problem, they will keep trying until they find the answer.
The ability to build positive relationships
Resilient children know how to build positive relationships with others. They are usually good at communicating and have strong social and emotional skills. As a result, they can form close friendships and bonds with others.
The ability to take responsibility for their actions
Resilient kids understand that they are responsible for their actions and choices. They do not blame others for their mistakes.
The ability to problem-solve
Resilient children have good problem-solving skills. They can think of different solutions to a problem and choose the best one.
17 Tips on How to Help Your Child Become More Resilient
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1. Encourage Them to Face Their Fears
One of the best ways of raising resilient kids is to encourage them to face their fears. It is natural for humans to avoid things that make them feel uncomfortable or scared.
However, by facing their fears, children will learn that they can overcome any obstacle. The best way to do this is to provide support and encouragement.
For example, if your child is afraid of the dark, help them face their fear by slowly acclimating them to the darkness.
2. Teach Them to Problem Solve
Another way to help your kids develop resilience is to teach them problem-solving skills. It is critical to teach children how to consider a variety of options and select the best one.
One way to do this is to provide them with opportunities to practice. For example, you can give them a simple problem, such as “How can we get the toy that is out of reach?” and help them brainstorm different solutions.
3. Encourage Them to Persevere
It is important for children to understand that perseverance is key to building resilience. This means teaching them to handle challenges, even when things are tough. One way to do this is to praise their efforts, instead of their results.
For example, if your child is struggling with a math problem, praise them for their effort, no matter if they get the answer correct or not.
This will help them understand that it is important to keep trying, even when things are difficult.
Here is a helpful article How to Praise Your Child the Right Way- 65 Examples
4. Teach Them to Communicate
One of the most important skills for children to learn is how to communicate effectively. This means teaching them how to express their thoughts and feelings positively.
One way to do this is to model effective communication yourself. For example, when you are feeling angry or frustrated, explain to your child how you are feeling and why.
Show them how to still speak kindly to others even during stressful times.
5. Help Them Develop a Positive Self-Image
One of the best ways to help your children become more resilient is to help them develop a positive self-image. This means teaching them to see themselves in a positive light, no matter what they are facing.
One way to do this is to praise their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small they may be.
For example, if your child cleans up their room without being asked, praise them for their hard work. This will help them understand that they are capable of accomplishing big tasks on their own.
Here is an article How To Help Your Child Build Better Self Esteem-7 Best Preschool Activities
6. Help Them Build Positive Relationships
Children who have strong social skills are better equipped to deal with the challenges of life.
There are many reasons why strong social skills are an important skill for children.
It helps kids to develop a positive sense of self and to feel confident and secure in their relationships.
Strong social skills enable children to understand and empathize with others, and to resolve conflicts peacefully.
It also helps children to build a supportive network of friends and family, which can provide emotional stability during times of stress.
Children who have strong social skills are more likely to lead happy, successful lives.
One way to help your children build strong relationships is to encourage them to be kind and considerate to others.
For example, you can praise them when they share their toys with their siblings or friends. You can also encourage them to participate in group activities, such as sports or clubs.
7. Teach Them Refusal Skills
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Children need to know how to say “no” to things that are harmful or not in their best interest. This means teaching them how to assert themselves and set boundaries.
One way parents can do this is by providing opportunities for them to practice. For example, you can offer them choices and let them practice choosing what they want.
You can also role-play different situations to practice making the right choices in tough situations, such as saying “no” to making fun of friends at school under peer pressure.
8. Encourage Them to Be Flexible
Flexible children have better coping skills with the challenges of life.
This means parents can raise resilient kids by teaching them how to be adaptable, open-minded, and accepting of different situations.
One way to do this is to provide opportunities for them to experience new things.
For example, you can take them to different places, such as the zoo or the library. You can also introduce them to different people, such as people with different cultural backgrounds, or try a new sport.
Get Your Resilience Kit for Kids Printable Here!
9. Teach Them How to Manage Their Emotions
If children can learn how to manage their emotions, they will be better equipped to handle challenging situations.
One way to help your children with emotional management is to teach them how to identify and express their feelings.
For example, you can help them label their emotions by teaching them the names of different feelings. You can also encourage them to use words to express how they are feeling, such as “I feel angry when you take my toy without asking.”
(Here is an article about how to teach children self regulation skills-
How to Teach Kids About Feelings and Emotions
10. Help Them Develop a Growth Mindset
Children who have a growth mindset believe that they can improve with effort. This means that they are more likely to persevere when facing challenges.
One way to help your children develop a growth mindset is to praise their efforts and not their ability. For example, you can say “You worked really hard on that project” instead of “You’re so smart.”
You can also encourage them to persist and feel empowered when they face difficulties by telling them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that everyone learns from them.
Here is a helpful article on How to Teach a Growth Mindset to Kids- 9 Best Activities
11. Help Them Find a Role Model
Children often look up to people who have qualities that they admire. This means that role models can play an important role in helping children develop resilience.
One way to help your child find a role model is to introduce them to someone who has overcome adversity. For example, you can tell them real-life stories about a friend or family member who has overcome a difficult situation.
You can also introduce them to stories about people who have overcome challenges, such as books about famous people or historical figures.
12. Encourage Them to Help Others
One way to teach resilience skills is to encourage kids to help others.
When children see the impact of their efforts, it can inspire them to keep going even when things are tough.
Helping others also teaches kids new skills such as empathy and cooperation. As kids learn to put themselves in other people's shoes and work together towards a common goal, they develop a greater sense of self-awareness and confidence.
By helping others, kids learn that they have the power to make a difference in the world.
One way to encourage your children to help others is to provide opportunities for them to do so.
For example, you can have them participate in volunteering activities. You can also encourage them to help out at home, such as doing chores or helping younger siblings.
When faced with the next challenge, they can draw on this experience and remember that they have the strength to solve problems.
13. Help Them Develop a Supportive Network
A supportive relationship is likely to boost a child's resilience. This means that it’s important for children to have people in their lives on who they can rely.
One way to help your child develop a supportive network is to introduce them to people who can be positive influences in their lives.
For example, you can introduce them to family members or friends who are supportive and caring. You can also introduce them to mentors or teachers who can offer guidance and advice and some one-on-one time.
14. Encourage Them to Seek Help
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One of the most important things you can do to help your child build resilience is to encourage them to seek help when they need it.
This means that you should encourage them to talk to you or another trusted adult about their problems or uncomfortable emotions they may be going through at the time.
It’s also important to let kids know that it’s okay to ask for help and that everyone needs assistance from time to time.
By seeking help, children learn that they don’t have to face challenges alone. They also learn that it’s okay to admit when they need assistance.
This can help them feel more confident and capable of handling difficult situations.
15. Help Them Find Their Passion
One of the best ways for kids to develop resilience is to help them find their passion.
When children are passionate about something, they’re more likely to look on the bright side even when things are tough.
This is because their passion gives them a sense of purpose and meaning. It can also provide them with the motivation to preserver even when things are difficult.
One way to help your child find their passion is to expose them to different activities and interests. You can also talk to them about their likes and dislikes. As they explore different things, they’ll likely find something that they’re passionate about.
16. Teach Them Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that can help children become more aware of their thoughts and emotions.
It can also help them learn to accept their experiences, even the difficult ones.
Teaching kids mindfulness is another way of developing resilience in kids.
One way to teach mindfulness is for a parent to practice it themselves. You can also introduce your child to meditation and other relaxation techniques.
Here is a helpful article- How to Teach Mindfulness to Kids: 26 Fun and Easy Ways to Get Started!
17. Help Them Set Realistic Goals
When children set realistic or age-appropriate goals, they’re more likely to persevere even when things are tough.
This is because they know that their goal is attainable and they have a plan for how to achieve it.
One way to help your child set realistic goals is to talk to them about their dreams and aspirations.
Then, help them break down their goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
Encourage kids to take things one step at a time and celebrate each accomplishment along the way.
Tips For When Your Child Faces a Setback
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It is not uncommon for kids to experience some setbacks in their lives.
Whether it's a poor performance in school, getting cut from a team, or experiencing problems in friendships, these disappointments can be tough to deal with.
However, a parent needs to remember that these experiences are a normal part of a child's life and that tough times present an opportunity for growth.
Instead of trying to shield kids from setbacks, encourage their ability to bounce back.
This doesn't mean that parents should push their kids into situations that are beyond their capabilities; instead, they should provide support and guidance while also allowing their kids the space to experiment and learn from their mistakes.
Here are some tips for how parents can help their children deal with setbacks:
1. Encourage Kids to Talk About Their Feelings
When children experience a setback, they need to process their emotions in a healthy way.
This means that they don't need to dwell on their negative experiences; instead, they should be encouraged to talk about how they're feeling.
Parents can simply do this by asking kids how their day was or by talking about a specific incident that occurred.
It's also important to listen to what your kids have to say without judgment. It's essential that kids feel like they can come to you with anything that's on their minds.
2. Help Them Put Their Setbacks Into Perspective
When kids experience a setback, it's often hard for them to see the situation objectively.
This is why parents need to teach kids to put their experiences into perspective.
One way to do this is by asking them what they learned from the situation.
You can also encourage them to think about how the situation could have been worse.
For example, if your child didn't make the soccer team, you can point out that there are other activities that they can participate in.
3. Help Them Develop a Plan
Once your child has processed their feelings and put their experiences into perspective, it's time to help them develop a plan.
This plan should be aimed at helping them overcome their setback and achieve their goals.
For example, if your child is having trouble in school, you may want to talk to their teacher about ways to improve their grades.
You can also help them study more effectively or come up with a system for keeping track of their homework.
4. Encourage Them to Keep Trying
One of the most important things that parents can do is encourage their children to keep trying.
Kids need to understand that setbacks are a normal part of life and that they shouldn't give up just because they experience one.
Instead, they should view setbacks as an opportunity to learn and grow.
5. Seek Professional Help If Necessary
In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
This is especially true if your child is dealing with a traumatic experience or if they're having difficulty coping with their emotions.
If you're concerned about your child's mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counsellor.
Conclusion
Setbacks are a normal part of life, but they can be tough to deal with.
As a parent, you can help your child by teaching them how to cope with their emotions and develop a plan for overcoming their challenges by learning ways for solving problems.
By following these tips, you can help your child become more resilient and better equipped to deal with life's challenges.
FAQ
1. Why is a child's resilience important?
Resilience is important because it allows people to overcome challenges and continue moving forward in life.
2. How can parents teach resilience to kids
Parents can help their children become more resilient by teaching them how to cope with their emotions and develop a plan for overcoming their challenges.
3. What are some of the signs that a child is struggling to cope with a setback?
Some of the signs that a child is struggling to cope with a setback include withdrawal, changes in sleeping or eating habits, and difficulties concentrating. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to reach out to a professional for help.
