Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back when things don’t go as planned. It is an important life skill that helps children to cope with challenges, setbacks and stress.

As a parent or caregiver, you can help your child develop resilience by teaching them how to manage their emotions, problem-solve and persevere through difficult situations.

Encourage Positive Thinking

Encourage your child to think positively and focus on their strengths. Teach them to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones and to look for the good in every situation.

Help them set realistic expectations and goals, and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

Teach Coping Strategies

Show your child healthy coping strategies such as taking deep breaths, going for a walk, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or practicing mindfulness or meditation. Encourage them to express their feelings and ask for help when they need it.

Allow Your Child to Make Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Encourage your child to try new things and take risks, even if they might fail. Avoid overprotecting or rescuing your child when things don’t go as planned.

Instead, help them to reflect on what went wrong, identify what they could do differently next time and encourage them to try again.

Practice Problem-Solving Skills

Help your child build problem-solving skills by encouraging them to brainstorm solutions to challenges they face. Start by listening to their concerns and asking them open-ended questions.

Guide them to think through the pros and cons of different solutions and to consider the potential consequences of their decisions.

Encourage Perseverance

Teach your child the value of perseverance and the importance of not giving up. Help them to set realistic goals and support them as they work towards achieving them.

Recognize their efforts and progress along the way, and encourage them to keep going even when the going gets tough.

Model Resilience

As a parent or caregiver, you play an important role in modeling resilience for your child. Show them how to handle stress and setbacks in a positive way, and let them see you cope with challenges in your daily life.

Use your own experiences to teach your child important life lessons about resilience, and celebrate your own strengths and achievements as well as theirs.

Stay Connected

Strong social connections can help children to develop resilience and cope with stress. Encourage your child to build meaningful relationships with family, peers and other supportive adults.

Foster a sense of community and belonging by involving your child in activities or groups that align with their interests and values.

Celebrate Diversity

Teach your child to value diversity and embrace differences. Help them to build empathy and understanding for others who may have different experiences, backgrounds or cultures.

Encourage them to seek out and connect with a diverse group of friends and to learn about different perspectives and ways of thinking.

Support Your Child’s Growth

Finally, be there for your child as they navigate their growth and development. Offer unconditional love and support, and help them to set and achieve their goals.

Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and encourage them to keep growing and learning as they develop resilience and face life’s challenges.