PARENT TIPS - FROM OUR CATHOLIC CARE COUNSELLOR 

HELPING YOUR KID BUILD RESILIENCE

Resilience is an essential trait for children as it empowers them to navigate life's inevitable challenges with strength and adaptability. Beyond bouncing back from setbacks, resilience brings crucial life skills such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and perseverance. It builds a positive mindset that encourages children to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than unbeatable barriers. Moreover, children with resilience are better equipped to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and achieve their goals, setting a foundation for long-term emotional well-being and success. By nurturing resilience early on, parents and caregivers play a vital role in preparing children to thrive in a world where resilience is not just a trait, but a foundation of personal development.

Here are some tips to foster resilience in kids:

Encourage Problem-Solving Skills: Teach children to break down problems into smaller parts and brainstorm solutions. This helps them feel empowered and capable of overcoming difficulties.

Promote Positive Thinking: Encourage optimism and a growth mindset. Help them reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones, emphasising the importance of learning from mistakes.

Teach Coping Strategies: Teach kids healthy ways to manage stress and emotions, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, physical activity, or creative outlets like drawing or writing.

Set Realistic Goals: Help children set achievable goals and celebrate their progress. This builds confidence and resilience by showing them they can accomplish things through effort and persistence.

Foster Supportive Relationships: Encourage strong connections with family, friends, and mentors. Having a support network helps children feel safe and valued, which boosts resilience.

Model Resilience: Children often learn by example. Show them how you handle setbacks and challenges in a calm and constructive manner, demonstrating resilience in your own life.

Encourage Independence: Allow children age-appropriate opportunities to make decisions and solve problems on their own. This builds self-reliance and resilience.

Validate Feelings: Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings, whether they are positive or negative. This helps them develop emotional awareness and resilience.

Maintain Routine and Structure: Consistency and predictability help children feel secure and capable of handling change or disruptions effectively.

Provide Unconditional Love and Support: Let your child know they are loved and accepted no matter what. This gives them the confidence to face challenges knowing they have a safe emotional base.

By incorporating these tips into daily interactions and parenting practices, you can help your child develop the resilience they need to thrive in various situations throughout their lives.

Sara Ljuboja

School Counsellor