Building Resilience in Kids

We all want the same thing for our children; to grow into the very best versions of themselves they can be. But are our actions prohibiting them from building their own toolbox to tackle all of life's hurdles? Family members and supportive figures play a huge role in building resilience that helps guide them through future challenges.

At a young age, children need to find their inner strength and have the confidence that they’re able to handle any situation thrown their way. They need to know that even when they fail, it’s okay. Expose children to your own failures. Be transparent. Show them the positive ways you deal with opposition.

Embracing failure will be necessary time and time again through life. A great way to exercise this is by playing board games at home, where there is a definite winner and definite losers.

We may believe that doing as much as we can for children is how we show them love and support, but it could be the contrary. Children need to learn independence and to do things on their own. For example, carrying their own school bag vs. you carrying it in for them. They gain responsibility for their belongings, and when no one else is around, will be able to handle the situation on their own.

These responsibilities help to create their own toolbox for success. Tasks such as brushing their teeth, continuing to work on a difficult homework question, etc., are all things that will grow their self-discipline. Learning these life skills early on, and becoming second nature, is truly priceless in adulthood when combatting larger responsibilities.

When they are struggling, it’s important to stand by and cheer them on. Not to take over the reins. Show them that you are there to support them and that even when things seem too tough that they can indeed make it through.

Relationships play an important part in building children's toolbox of skills. When it comes down to it, we need other people in our lives to succeed. We need a team, interpersonal skills, and the ability to trust others. Make a conscious approach to instilling resilience in your children and the children around you. Small lessons early on in life are what future success is built on.