How to Raise a Resilient Child

A resilient child is one who can confidently cope with life’s setbacks, of which there will be many throughout their life, both big and small. While parents instinctively want to wrap their little ones in cotton wool and protect them from any physical or emotional distress, sometimes it’s better to let them deal with problems on their own, so that they grow up feeling more comfortable tackling adversity independently. After all, you’re not always going to be with them to hold their hand and fight their battles. With that said, here are some tips from a primary school in Hillingdon to help you raise a resilient child.

Try and help your child develop a growth mindset by reminding them that life is full of ups and downs and the best thing we can do is learn from our mistakes. For example, your child might be upset for getting a bad grade on a test. If something like this happens, let them know that you are proud of them for putting in the effort, as trying their best is far more important than the end result. Let them know that the negative feedback on their test is actually great because it will help them improve next time. This sort of attitude will help them deal with similar setbacks in the future, without feeling too disappointed. Your reactions to things will teach them how to deal with various obstacles going forward.

You should also try and help your child become more independent by giving them responsibilities around the house, like setting the table at dinner or feeding/walking the dog. Giving your child tasks to complete and praising them once they’re done will help them learn what they are capable of and give them a sense of pride. It will also show them that they can be trusted. A confident and capable child will find it easier to dust themselves off when things don’t go to plan.

Generally speaking, it’s important that you provide a supportive and positive environment for your child. Talk to them about their aspirations and interests and allow them to pursue their hobbies. You should also encourage them to talk about things that they are grateful for so that they focus on the good, rather than the bad. This will go a long way in promoting a resilient attitude.

*Collaborative Post