Building resilience in children

Children face many risks and adversities as they grow up in modern society, including poverty, divorce, family difficulties, abuse, discrimination and illness (Brooks, 2006; Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012). As such, it is important to identify factors that can help at-risk children overcome these adversities and succeed as adolescents and later as adults.

Children that can succeed and thrive in the face of adversity are seen as resilient, meaning they have strengths and are exposed to protective factors that help them overcome adverse conditions (Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012). Resilience in children is a crucial quality that empowers them to navigate life's challenges and setbacks. It enables them to bounce back from difficult experiences, learn from failures, and grow into emotionally and mentally robust individuals.

Resilience is not an innate trait; rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured through a combination of protective factors. This article will explore the concept of resilience in children, identify key protective factors, and discuss how they can help foster resilience.

Defining resilience

Resilience has historically been a difficult concept to define, and many different definitions of resilience have been put forward over the years. Broadly, resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, stress, or trauma. It encompasses emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions, allowing children to maintain a sense of wellbeing despite facing difficult circumstances. Masten, Best, and Garmezy (1990) define resilience as “the process of, capacity for, or outcome of successful adaptation despite challenging or threatening circumstances (Alvord & Grados, 2005).” More recent definitions imply that resilience in an individual means possessing multiple, varied skills needed to cope with their circumstances (Alvord & Grados, 2005). Ultimately, resilience is the skills, attributes and factors needed to help children achieve positive outcomes despite hardships or adversities (Alvord & Grados, 2005; Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012). Building resilience in children is essential as it equips them with valuable life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Protective factors

There are a number of factors outside of genetic or biological factors that can help to determine resilience in children, and these are known as protective factors. Protective factors influence or alter children’s responses to adverse events to avoid negative outcomes or responses (Alvord & Grados, 2005; Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012). Protective factors are broadly categorised as within-child, within-home, and within-community factors, and all these factors work together to determine resilience in a child (Dent & Cameron, 2003). Protective factors are the building blocks of resilience, playing a crucial role in a child's ability to cope with adversity and recover from challenging situations. These factors provide a safety net, nurturing the child's development and fostering their resilience. Some key protective factors include:

1. Strong relationships: Positive relationships with caregivers, family members, friends, and mentors form the foundation of resilience. Children with supportive, loving relationships are more likely to develop resilience because they know they have a safety net to fall back on. Supportive relationships also help to build social competence, self-esteem and self-efficacy (Alvord & Grado, 2005).

2. Self-regulation: Teaching children how to identify and manage their emotions and self-soothe or calm themselves is crucial for building resilience (Alvord & Grado, 2005). When children learn to express their feelings in healthy ways, they can better cope with stress and adversity. Self-regulation is one of the most important protective factors, as children who are able to regulate their emotions and behaviour are more likely to receive positive responses from other people (Alvord & Grado, 2005; Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012).

3. Problem-solving skills: Encouraging children to develop problem-solving skills allows them to approach challenges with a sense of agency and confidence. Problem-solving fosters adaptability and resilience by teaching children to find solutions rather than dwelling on problems (Sapienza & Masten, 2011).

4. Sense of belonging and community: A strong feeling of belonging within a family, community, or cultural group provides children with a sense of identity and purpose. Knowing they are part of a larger whole can boost their resilience by giving them a support system to turn to during tough times (Alvord & Grado, 2005; Sapienza & Masten, 2011).

5. Positive role models: Exposure to positive role models, such as parents, teachers, or community leaders, can significantly impact a child's development of resilience (Zolkoski & Bullock, 2012). These role models demonstrate the importance of perseverance, optimism, and a growth mindset.

6. Access to resources: Having access to necessary resources, including education, healthcare, and a safe environment, can enhance a child's resilience (Brooks, 2006; Dent & Camoeron, 2003). Basic needs must be met to create a stable foundation for growth.

Practical ways to promote resilience in your child

Fostering resilience in a child is crucial for their emotional and mental well-being. Resilient children are better equipped to handle adversity and bounce back from challenges. Here are seven practical ways to promote resilience in a child:

1. Build a supportive relationship: Establish a strong and supportive relationship with the child. Let them know they can turn to you for guidance and comfort. Trust and open communication are key.

2. Teach problem-solving skills: Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. Help children develop the ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and make decisions independently.

3. Foster independence: Allow children to take age-appropriate risks and make choices. Encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and decisions helps build self-confidence and resilience.

4. Encourage positive self-image: Promote a healthy self-esteem by acknowledging and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small. Encourage them to accept their strengths and weaknesses.

5. Emphasize coping strategies: Teach healthy coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Encourage them to express their emotions in constructive ways.

6. Set realistic expectations: Avoid putting excessive pressure on children to excel in everything they do. Instead, focus on effort and growth, emphasizing that failure is a natural part of learning and growth.

7. Expose them to challenges: Gradually expose children to age-appropriate challenges and setbacks. These experiences, while challenging, can help them develop resilience as they learn to navigate difficulties.

Remember that resilience is not something that develops overnight. It's a lifelong skill that requires patience and consistent support from caregivers, teachers, and the community. By providing a nurturing and empowering environment, you can help children develop the resilience they need to face life's challenges.

References

Alvord, M. K., & Grados, J. J. (2005). Enhancing resilience in children: A proactive approach. Professional psychology: research and practice, 36(3), 238.

Brooks, J. E. (2006). Strengthening resilience in children and youths: Maximizing opportunities through the schools. Children & Schools, 28(2), 69-76.

Dent, R. J., & Cameron, R. S. (2003). Developing resilience in children who are in public care: The educational psychology perspective. Educational psychology in practice, 19(1), 3-19.

Greenberg, M. T. (2006). Promoting resilience in children and youth: Preventive interventions and their interface with neuroscience. Annals of the new York Academy of Sciences, 1094(1), 139-150.

Pettoello-Mantovani, M., Pop, T. L., Mestrovic, J., Ferrara, P., Giardino, I., Carrasco-Sanz, A., ... & Çokuğraş, F. Ç. (2019). Fostering resilience in children: the essential role of healthcare professionals and families. The Journal of pediatrics, 205, 298-299.

Sapienza, J. K., & Masten, A. S. (2011). Understanding and promoting resilience in children and youth. Current opinion in Psychiatry, 24(4), 267-273.

Zolkoski, S. M., & Bullock, L. M. (2012). Resilience in children and youth: A review. Children and youth services review, 34(12), 2295-2303.