How Parents Can Help Children Develop Emotional Resilience

 

Resilience is a trait that every parent hopes their child will possess. It's the ability to bounce back from setbacks, navigate challenges, and thrive in the face of adversity. But resilience isn't something innate; it's a skill that can be learned and developed over time. As parents, there are several ways to teach resilience to your children, helping them develop the strength and adaptability they need to succeed in life.

The following are important skills that can help children develop emotional resilience. Encourage,  engage, and empower your children to continue honing them.

Skills to Develop Resilience

1. Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive to pursue activities for their own sake, rather than for external rewards or approval. Children who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to persist in the face of challenges because they find enjoyment and satisfaction in the process itself. You can nurture intrinsic motivation by encouraging your children to pursue their interests, set meaningful goals, and take ownership of their learning. By fostering a sense of autonomy and competence, you empower them to cultivate resilience from within.

2. Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning. Children with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for growth and embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process. As parents, we can promote a growth mindset by praising effort and perseverance rather than innate talent, encouraging our children to take on challenges outside their comfort zone, and reframing failures as valuable learning experiences. By instilling a growth mindset, we equip our children with the mindset they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

3. Grit

Grit is the perseverance and passion for long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks and obstacles. It's about having the resilience to stay committed to a task or pursuit, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. As parents, we can foster grit in our children by setting high expectations, teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance, and providing support and encouragement when they encounter challenges. By modeling grit in our own lives and celebrating their efforts along the way, we help them develop the resilience they need to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

About the author: Joy Acaso is our own Parenting Coach at Nightwatch Childcare Center. She has over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She is available to answer your questions and provide resources that can help your family thrive.