When Jeremiah falls down, they get up right away and goes back to what he was doing and tries again. When Jasmine falls, they sit and cries, and refuses to try again.
What makes the difference? Why are some children able to thrive in spite of serious traumas in their lives—such as neglect, abuse, poverty, serious illness? The ability to bounce back after a crisis (as small as a fall or as significant as neglect or the death of a loved one) or thrive in spite of persistent obstacles is called resilience.
Resilience protects children from the most severe effects of stress and trauma and helps them cope more effectively.
Characteristics of Resilient Children
- They have: trusting and loving relationships, structure at home, people who are good role models, encouragement to be independent, access to health care and education, people who praise them
- They are: loveable, loving, proud of their achievements, not easily discouraged, responsible, hopeful, trustful
- They can: communicate their thoughts and feelings, solve problems, manage their feelings, understand themselves, find people they can trust, laugh at themselves
Check out the video below for how toxic stress affects us and what we can do about it.
How to build resilience
- Make sure children know they are loved, valued and appreciated for who they are
- Look for the child’s strengths and emphasize the positive
- Teach self-care and good habits, such as healthy eating, exercise, getting enough rest
- Help children experience success and understand that mistakes are okay
- Encourage social skills, such as making and playing with friends and participating in group activities
- Maintain a daily routine such as bedtime hugs and stories
- Support a child’s ability to learn and use their imagination
- Understand the stressors families face and offer supportive resources during adversity
- Be part of developing community resources that support children and families
- Teach problem-solving skills
- Set clear and consistent boundaries
Resources
- Building Resilience: The Power to Cope with Adversity by William Beardslee et al., Zero to Three.
- Resilience: What It Is and How Children and Young People Can be Helped to Develop It, by Kirtsie Maclean
- Building Resilience in Troubled Times: A Guide for Parents by Center for Study of Social Policy)
This information is reprinted from FOCUS on ECMH Building Resilience.