Help your children to become more resilient by focusing on these three areas:
- Negative thoughts – If you were ever the last one picked for a team in P.E. or someone whose accomplishments were compared against those of an older sibling or a prodigy neighbor kid, then you’ll know firsthand the doubt, dread and lack of confidence that can overtake a young mind. Don’t allow your children to fall victim to a spirit of defeat. Encourage them to share their thoughts. Then help them improve their outlook by exploring strategies and solutions that will empower their thinking and inspire a willingness to strive for more.
- Feelings – Sometimes as parents we’re too quick to step in and say, “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.” Yet this approach doesn’t allow your children to recognize and process how they are feeling, nor understand how their feelings can influence behavior. Give youngsters a judgment-free forum for exploring their emotions, and offer insight and constructive feedback for dealing with those emotions.
- Fears – Confronting adversity helps to develop problem solving skills and gives us the confidence to make better choices. Don’t allow children to give up when times are tough. Encourage kids to face their fears with positive actions and perseverance. They may not always come out on top, but they will be able to hold their heads up knowing they did their best.
