Family Focus: Resilience

Resilience is a vital skill that helps children navigate life’s challenges, adapt to change, and bounce back from setbacks. It’s not just about tackling schoolwork, it is equally important on the playground in their friendships and in the home and family situation.

Here are some practical ways you can support your child in developing resilience both at home and in social situations.

1. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Teach your child that mistakes and setbacks, whether in class, during a game, or in a friendship, are opportunities to learn and grow. For example, if they lose a game or have a disagreement with a friend, encourage them to reflect, “What can I do differently next time?” Celebrate their effort and problem-solving rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

2. Model Resilient Behaviours

Children learn by observing. Show them how you handle challenges calmly and constructively. If a situation arises, like resolving a disagreement with a friend, let them see how listening, compromise, and understanding work.

3. Support Playground Problem-Solving

Playground dynamics can be tricky, but they’re a great place to build resilience. If your child comes home upset about an issue on the playground, resist the urge to immediately intervene. Instead, guide them to problem-solve. Ask questions like, “How did that make you feel?” and “What do you think you could say to fix the situation?” This helps them develop confidence in handling conflicts independently. Of course, you must always contact the school if we can help with a problem or concern.

4. Teach Friendship Skills

Friendships can sometimes be challenging, but these moments are opportunities to grow. Talk to your child about the qualities of a good friend, such as kindness, patience, and empathy. Encourage them to work through minor disagreements and remind them that it’s okay if not everyone wants to play the same game or have the same opinion. Respecting differences is an important part of friendship and resilience.

5. Help Them Navigate Rejection

Every child will face situations where they feel left out or rejected, whether it’s during a game or in a social group. Remind your child that these moments don’t define their worth. Encourage them to seek out others to play with, find new interests, or take a moment to regroup. Building this emotional flexibility helps them see setbacks as temporary.

6. Encourage Positive Play and Inclusivity

Promote the value of inclusivity and kindness on the playground. Encourage your child to invite others to join in their games and to stand up for peers who might be feeling excluded. Acts of kindness and leadership can bolster their confidence and help them see the positive impact they can have on others.

7. Foster Emotional Awareness

Whether it’s losing a race or feeling hurt by a friend, encourage your child to name their emotions and talk about them. Saying, “I feel frustrated” or “I felt left out” helps them process their feelings and move forward. Let them know it’s normal to feel upset sometimes, but it’s important to focus on solutions.

8. Be a Supportive Coach

While it’s tempting to shield your child from every hurtful moment, resilience grows when they learn to handle challenges on their own. Be their cheerleader and guide, offering advice when needed but allowing them to take the lead in resolving conflicts and managing emotions.

By teaching resilience, you’re equipping your child with tools they’ll use throughout their lives and help to create confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals.