Resilience

Growing up my dad always said, “tough times don't last but tough people do”, this is the exemplar statement that I feel best describes resilience. Throughout our lives we all experience different events and are able to understand and express them through our emotions. It is our level of resilience, our ability to ‘bounce back’ from some of these tough times that aids us in becoming who we are today.

During my time at this placement, I have observed several children discuss the hardships that they are experiencing, whether it is their parents divorce or the loss of their grandparent, these children are extremely open and are simply trying to understand what is happening in the world around them. While children are carefree and unadulterated beings, they are still individuals who go through similar experiences that we as adults do. I have found that through these times, the children are building upon their sense of resilience.

Open communication during these times is important as it ensures the child that there is someone there who cares about them and wants to listen to how they are feeling. Enabling the children to express themselves through creativity, activity or simply discussion.

Through my research I have found 7 C's that will help parents and teachers build their child/students sense of resilience (healthychildren.org. 2012).

1. Competence – knowing they can handle a situation effectively

• Focus on their strengths

• Avoid comparisons to others

1. Confidence – belief in ones abilities

• Focus on the best in the child

• Recognizing when they have done well

1. Connection – developing close ties

• Fostering healthy relationships

• Offering a safe physical space

1. Character – development of a strong sense of morals and values

• Informing them that every action has a consequence

• Encourage individuality

1. Contribution – ensure them that they are able to contribute to the world

• Stress the importance of giving

1. Coping – managing stress and difficult situations

• Modeling positive strategies

• Guiding them to develop coping strategies

1. Control – informing the child that they are in control of their decisions and outcomes

• Again telling them that all actions have consequences

Resilience is important, especially amongst children. Hopefully these tips help!

References

HealthyChildren.org. (2012). Building Resilience in Children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Building-Resilience-in-Children.aspx