5 Ways to Build Resilient Kids

Raising resilient children is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Resilient kids are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and build strong relationships.

I’m Courtney Johns, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Kid Matters Counseling. And in this article, I’ll share five strategies to help your child develop resilience.

First, Foster a Strong Sense of Self

Helping your child understand their strengths, interests, and values is essential for building this foundation. Exposing them to a variety of activities can help them discover their passions and talents.

Additionally, offering consistent love and support, regardless of their successes or failures, significantly contributes to their self-esteem.

Second, Cultivate Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching your child how to problem-solve empowers them to find solutions when faced with challenges. Encourage them to think critically and creatively.

This can look like asking open-ended questions. Instead of telling your child what to do, ask questions that prompt them to think critically about the problem.

For example, instead of saying “You look frustrated, do you want me to help you build that block tower?”, ask “What seems to be tricky about building the tower? Can you think of a different way to put the blocks together?”

Start with small problems and gradually increase the complexity as they gain confidence.

Third, Build Strong Relationships

Strong relationships are essential for children’s emotional well-being and resilience. A strong support network provides children with a sense of belonging, security, and encouragement.

Some ways to encourage these connections include:

Prioritizing family time. Regular family gatherings and activities strengthen family bonds. These shared experiences create lasting memories and a sense of security.

Also, encourage friendships. Support your child’s friendships by arranging playdates, joining school or community groups, and attending social events together.

Finally, consider volunteering as a family. Participating in community service activities not only helps others but also fosters a sense of connection and responsibility.

By fostering connections with family, friends, and community members, you can help your child build a strong foundation for coping with life’s challenges.

Fourth, Teach Emotional Regulation

Helping your child understand and manage their emotions is essential for building resilience. Teach them to identify their feelings, express them in healthy ways, and develop coping strategies.

For example, help your child identify their emotions by using age-appropriate language. For young children, you can use simple terms like happy, sad, angry, and scared.

As they get older, you can introduce more complex emotions like frustrated, disappointed, or jealous.

Also, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be helpful for children of all ages.

Mindfulness helps children focus on the present moment and become aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help children calm their bodies and minds.

And Finally, Model Resilience

Children learn by observing their parents. Demonstrate resilience in your own life by openly discussing challenges, setbacks, and how you overcome them.

Let your child see that you make mistakes too. Discuss how you learn from them and grow as a result. This normalizes errors and encourages a growth mindset.

Also, Show your child how you take care of yourself during stressful times. This teaches them the significance of self-preservation and emotional regulation.

Remember, building resilience is a gradual process. Celebrate your child’s small victories and offer consistent support.

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today. At Kid Matters Counseling, we can provide valuable guidance and tools to help your child develop resilience.