‘’I am like a phoenix rising from the ashes’’ is a phrase or quote that people use to indicate their ability to encounter a difficult circumstance and emerge from it. It is symbolic of their perseverance or resilience, but can we say the same thing in the context of a child? Children go through many challenges, including shifting to another city, changing schools, studying for exams, a loved one’s demise, etc.
Therefore, resilience building is necessary as it helps children adjust to everyday challenges and learn basic skills which prove to be useful later in their adolescence and adulthood.
Resilience – Its Importance for Children
As a parent, we want our children to be safe and happy; that is why we do everything in our power to shield them from the harsh realities. However, despite all the efforts, we cannot always protect them from the ups and downs of life. Also, children are at the early childhood development stage and are sensitive.
Besides, children possess different characteristics or personality traits, and if some react in a more subdued way, others might have an opposite reaction. Nonetheless, if they continue to suffer through the issues at home and school without any intervention, it may hinder their future behaviour.
So an appropriate solution is to provide them with a few tools to help them deal with different crises during their childhood. Plus, you might be aware that this is a foundational stage, so if we teach them something, they will be able to retain that knowledge and apply it whenever the situation calls for it.
And resilience is one such tool that will help them handle a situation effectively; for instance, they would know how to maintain composure during an argument and make the right judgement during a dilemma.
Ways to Build Resilience in Kids
Build a Sense of Connection
Children are usually shy and take time to warm up to people; social awkwardness, isolation and not belonging are common among young kids and teenagers. Besides, many children feel out of place and disconnected from their peers; however, teaching them skills that will help them become more sociable is crucial.
It is not advisable to force them into doing something they don’t want to do; instead, parents can encourage them to participate in extra-curricular activities. For instance, it could be a sport, music, etc. As a result, children will get the opportunity to connect with peers who share the same interests, enabling them to build connections and allowing them to learn different perspectives and social skills.
Inculcate Empathy
A recurrent feeling of helplessness often causes low-self esteem in children; one of the useful ways to counter this is by helping them recognize the issue and encouraging them to help others. For instance, you can involve your child in age-appropriate volunteer work or ask them to assist you in a task they can master.
On the other hand, schools can employ strategic in-class activities wherein children can engage in brainstorming tasks and help each other to solve a puzzle or a project, furthering child development.
Follow a Daily Routine
Did you know that resilience is connected to discipline? Children are prone to going astray without a proper structure in their lives; they need guidance to stay on track regarding school and other activities. Also, maintaining discipline is a prerequisite of a routine which is specifically essential during a transition or crisis.
Instill a Sense of Responsibility
Teachers and parents can mould children into responsible individuals by encouraging them to complete specific tasks by themselves. But it is imperative to teach them to how to act in certain situations; you can analyze their response by asking them how they would respond in a sudden circumstance. For example, you can ask them what advice they would give to a friend going through a troubling time.
Teach Self-care
It might sound a bit strange to advise children to self-care, given the fact they are always under adult supervision, but they do require to know the importance of it. For example, suppose you are out of town for urgent work and left your children in the care of a nanny or grandparent. During that time, they can take the initiative to do the needful or help direct the person in charge regarding their daily routine.
Help Them Set Goals
Human beings are goal-oriented, which helps them work towards a particular objective and achieve something they want. Therefore, assisting them in setting reasonable goals during their school years will help them become ambitious. Furthermore, it will enable them to focus on specific tasks, thereby building resilience against difficulties.
Teachers can instruct them to complete an assignment by helping them break it down into small, manageable goals.
Provide Constructive Criticism
Constant criticism at school and home because of academic underperformance may impact a child’s behaviour; instead, parents and teachers must work together to determine the major problem areas and work towards a viable solution. Moreover, they should boost their morale and help them through obstacles; it is vital to help children identify their strengths and indicate how it has helped them in the past.
Teachers and parents can work out an efficient way to provide constructive criticism, which would help children see their shortcomings and motivate them to improve.
Help Children Process Change
Change is intimidating and comes in many forms; it could be a new school or new classmates. So, it is natural for children to have trouble adjusting to new situations; for instance, young kids who can barely talk can sense unfamiliar surroundings and events, causing them distress and discomfort.
In fact, you can find a preschool in Bangalore that takes a simple yet useful approach to identifying signs of fear and anxiety in children. Moreover, they ascertain if the children are irritable and take the necessary steps, such as art and craft, pretend games and stories to help the children through the process.
Children often face uncertainty, lack of confidence, and isolation, and without proper help, it continues to grow, causing major issues in their teenage and adolescence. Chrysalis, the best preschool in Bangalore, is well aware of such issues; therefore, they use games, storytelling and other various activities to nurture the minds of little kids. Additionally, the teachers are adept at implementing classroom sessions that not only engage the children but also help to enhance their socio-emotional development.