Today’s world is challenging for children. By age two, many are being cared for outside their home. By elementary school, the pressure is on to excel at everything. Sex is actively marketed through the media. Drugs and alcohol are readily available. The demands and stresses on parents are unrelenting. In spite of all this, you can foster resilience in your children.
Foundations of resiliency
- Give children the message that they are worthy and capable by allowing them to be contributing members of the family. Give even the youngest child chores and responsibility appropriate for their age.
- Resist correcting or redoing the chores assigned to children. The point is not that the bed is perfectly made but that the child makes a contribution to the family.
- Encourage childrens participation in activities. Involvement in activities such as sports, music, or art are prime indicators of future happiness and success.
- The feeling of being part of; family, school, community is essential.
- Lack of connection is alienation.
Further developing resiliency in your child
- Develop a close, affectionate, loving, relationship with your child.
- Listen to your child. Help her express feelings openly, even negative feelings.
- See your child’s potential. Help her see it too. Believe in her.
- Focus on her strengths. Don’t push or compare. Value your child for her unique gifts.
- Establish high expectations for behavior. Provide structure. Be fair and consistent.
- Provide many opportunities for children to participate in meaningful ways, even when it is easier to do it yourself. Give even the youngest child chores and responsibility appropriate to her age.
