Shanghai Community International School

By JJ Wu, Early Childhood Education Counselor at SCIS Hongqiao 

In today's rapidly changing world, resilience is a vital trait that can help children thrive despite challenges and unexpected events. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, learn from experiences, and adapt to new situations. As teachers and parents, fostering resilience in our children is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer. This article will explore why resilience is important and provide practical tips on how to help kids build this essential life skill. 

Why is it Important? 

All humans face stress and anxiety, not only in their childhood but also in their adult years. Resilience equips them with the tools to manage stress effectively, leading to better mental health and emotional well-being. Resilience teaches children that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone towards success. It encourages them to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and persevere through setbacks, ultimately boosting their confidence, and fostering their capacity to adapt to different social situations.  

Practical Tips to Foster Resilience in Children 

1. Encourage a Growth Mindset 

Teach your children that their abilities are not fixed but can grow with effort and learning. This mindset shift can make them more open to challenges and less afraid of failure. Teachers at SCIS put a lot of emphasis on the growth mindset and put it into practice every day in the classrooms. Teaching your child about how the brain can change over time with different life experiences and practices will further reinforce their understanding of the power of a growth mindset.  

2. Let Them Face Challenges 

Don't rush to solve every problem for your child. Allow them to face challenges, even if it means they might fail or struggle. These experiences are valuable for building resilience. Often, natural and logical consequences that are not harmful can be valuable lessons for children to acquire important life skills.  

3. Provide Emotional Support 

Offer a safe and supportive environment where your child can express their feelings and fears without judgment. Let them know you are there to listen and help when needed. 

4. Teach Problem-Solving 

Guide your child through problem-solving processes. Encourage them to identify the issue, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate the outcomes. This empowers them to take control of their challenges. Involving your child in problem-solving processes will not only make them feel more in control of a situation that might seem to be beyond their control but will lead them to feel more engaged and willing to think critically.  

5. Set Realistic Expectations 

Help your child set realistic goals and expectations. This prevents unnecessary stress and frustration, as they will better understand what is achievable. 

6. Be a Role Model 

Children learn by example. Demonstrate resilience in your own life by handling challenges with a positive attitude and persistence. Modeling mistakes and accidents as well as the way you cope with them afterwards can have a lifelong impact on your children. For example, taking a moment to express disappointment but quickly moving on with your day after you’ve accidentally spilled your cup of coffee is a great way to allow your child to relate to similar experiences when they spill milk or drop food on the floor. 

In summary, building resilience in children is an ongoing process that requires patience and dedication. However, the benefits are immeasurable. Resilient children are better equipped to handle life's challenges, grow into well-rounded individuals, and maintain strong mental and emotional health in the long run. As parents and educators, our role in fostering resilience is instrumental in helping our children thrive in an ever-changing world.