How does your child react to setbacks, failures, and frustrating experiences? Do they get easily discouraged, despair, and give up, or do they bounce back and try again with determination? The difference comes down to something called resilience. Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and adapt to challenging situations, and it's a crucial skill for children to develop for their overall well-being and success.
Emotional resilience in kids means they can handle stress, setbacks, and challenging situations in a healthy way. Low resilience can cause them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that persist into adulthood, such as isolation, resentment, and avoidance. Resilient children are more likely to persevere through tough times, maintain a positive outlook, and bounce back from adversity. They are also less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. This ability not only helps them cope with immediate challenges, but also prepares them for future hardships, fostering long-term mental health and well-being.
The 7 C’s Model of Resilience, developed by pediatrician Kenneth Ginsburg and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), provides a comprehensive framework for building resilience in children:
Children learn a lot by observing the adults in their lives. Model healthy coping habits by managing your stress in constructive ways. Be open and show them how you handle setbacks and frustrations with resilience and a positive attitude. If, for example, you drop a plate of food in front of them, narrate how you’re coping with it: “That’s very frustrating. I feel upset because I’m hungry and I wanted to eat that. I’m going to stop and take some deep breaths. Now I feel calmer. I know it will be ok and that I can make more food. I’m going to clean it up.” Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and mindfulness, and involve your child in these practices.
The most important thing to remember is that children often live up to the expectations adults set for them. This is true of both negative and positive expectations; if you are highly critical of your child, they will be highly critical of themselves, and therefore less resilient. They need adults who believe in their potential and hold them to high standards of compassion, generosity, and creativity. Focusing on character traits rather than results such as grades or sports performance will nurture your child’s holistic growth and increase their resilience.
Sometimes, children may need additional support to build resilience, especially if they are dealing with significant stress or mental health challenges. A licensed therapist can provide your child with a safe space to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Professional guidance can be instrumental in helping your child build resilience and thrive. At Medens Health, we support adolescents (ages 13-17) in building coping skills and resilience. If your child needs help developing these essential skills, reach out to us for support and guidance.
Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
%201.png)
