PARENT GUIDE TO RESILIENCE  

Children’s problems can include an array of things. At school, many students struggle with dealing with tough emotions, managing anxiety, drama with friends, loss, and poor academic performance.  Then add the uncertainties of growing up in a pandemic and these emotions are compounded. The ability to thrive despite all of these challenges is called resilience.

Resilience is a skill and can be learned. Resilient children can better manage stress, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Children need to understand life isn’t always going to be easy but it shouldn’t always be hard.

Object lessons are great to explain things such as resilience. For this lesson, present some common problems and then show them a rubber ball and an egg. If we don't have resilience, we will crack under pressure. If we have resilience, we can bounce back like the rubber ball. Here is another great example to explain to the concept of resiliency to children using the airplane example from Beyond Blue.

According to About to Kids Health:

Resilient children may display the following qualities:

• demonstrates a genuine interest in school
• solves problems effectively
• assertive and capable of showing initiative
• empathetic toward others
• responsible and trustworthy
• sets and attains realistic goals
• maintains a sense of purpose and a positive outlook on life
• can act independently (autonomous)
• asks for support when needed

Check out this great FREE resource provided by the WhyTry Program especially for parents who want to help build more resilient children.

Parent Guide to Resilience