Fostering Resilience in Ourselves and Our Families

from Parent Connect - March 24, 2025

What is resilience? 

Resilience is the ability to cope with, adapt to, and recover from stressful or challenging situations. It involves maintaining emotional and mental well-being in the face of adversity.

How can we help foster resilience in our children and ourselves?

Take good care of yourself and model it for your child.

  • Eating healthy

  • Exercise - move your body

  • Rest

  • Spiritual practice - praying, worship, meditating, mindfulness, etc

  • Artistic expression

  • Spend time in nature

  • Mental health - seek professional help as needed

Build a strong parent/child bond

Studies show that having at least one strong, stable adult relationship (parent, caregiver, teacher, etc.) is the single most important factor in a child being successful at overcoming hardship. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbriefs/inbrief-the-science-of-resilience/ 

  • Show affection

  • Respond consistently to your child’s needs

  • Maintain a daily routine/ family rituals - regular mealtime routines, bedtime routines

  • Talk with your child about the challenges and difficult times you may be experiencing with simple, age appropriate language. Because saying “nothing is wrong” can be more stressful than acknowledging the tension.

Cultivate positive social/emotional skills and model them with your child.

  • Self awareness (What pushes my buttons? What gives me peace?)

  • Emotional regulation - Use calming techniques, like deep breathing.

  • Practice gratitude

  • Develop optimism and hope for the future.

  • Participate in things that bring you joy. Play together as a family! 

  • Practice self compassion. Be gentle with yourself.

Lean into your social network. Build strong, healthy connections with others.

  • Family

  • Friends

  • Community - neighborhood, faith community, cultural community

Embrace growth and learning

  • View challenges as opportunities for personal development

  • Learn from setbacks and adapt your strategies as needed

  • Seek out new experiences and expand your comfort zone.

Establish a sense of purpose

  • What gives your life meaning?

  • Set goals for yourself

  • Volunteer in your community individually or as a family (clean up at the park, etc)

Resources:

https://www.inclusivechildcare.org/resource-library/document/learning-cope-building-resilience-yourself-and-your-child

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/families-lay-your-burdens-down 

https://www.inclusivechildcare.org/resource-library/document/building-resilience-young-children

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