Do you want your child to be independent, a problem solver, and confident in their own abilities? We all do!

Building resilience in your child is beneficial to their growth and development because it helps them learn to cope with life’s difficulties, setbacks, and natural changes in a healthy way. Resilience promotes better mental health and overall well-being.

According to Child Trends, black non-Hispanic children experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at a higher rate than other races. ACEs, also called toxic stress, can include any stressful life event which has the potential to be traumatic, including things like neglect, abuse, and homelessness.

Therefore, resilience is more than just important for these children—it may even be crucial to their wellbeing and longevity. Teaching your child, the skills they need to practice resilience can help them through these challenging situations, allowing them to come out better on the other side.

8 Ways to Help Your Child Build Resilience

With all this in mind, you’re probably wondering where to even begin. How can you teach your child such a complex topic without overwhelming them?

Luckily, the answer isn’t all that complicated. Below are a few simple yet effective ways you can instill a sense of resilience in your child to ensure they are better prepared to deal with the challenges of the world.

1. Encourage problem solving and self-reflection

Encourage your child to think of different ways to approach problems and work through difficult situations. They should understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions without letting others take advantage.

2. Teach them to be mindful

Mindfulness activities can help your child learn to recognize and manage their own emotions. Emotional regulation will help them with their mental wellbeing and future relationships.

3. Model resilience

Be a role model for your child. Show them how you persevere in the face of adversity and why it’s important to keep trying.

4. Model and encourage a positive attitude

Help your child recognize the positive in any given situation by practicing this concept in your own life. Positivity goes a long way.

5. Teach assertiveness

Teach your child to express their needs and desires in a positive way. Assertiveness is an essential skill for building resilience, especially in the face of racism and prejudice.

6. Show empathy and provide comfort

Let your child know that it’s ok to feel emotions, and that you are there to listen and provide comfort. Everyone deserves empathy—even children. This small gesture can make a huge difference in a growing child’s mind.

7. Encourage physical activity

Exercise can help children develop physical and mental resilience. It’s good for the body and the mind.

8. Foster a sense of community

Encourage children to build meaningful relationships with others by helping them cultivate these relationships. Try to practice this in your own life in front of your family, and the practice will come naturally for them.

Conclusion

Although building resilience sounds like a big, scary skill to try to teach (and maybe learn!), it really isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Small changes to your daily habits are easy ways to cultivate a positive mindset and build resilience. And your children will appreciate you passing this knowledge and skillset to them.

For more resources visit our Learning Hub or watching our Teaching Moments