Children face numerous challenges, failures, and common difficulties in their school days, and important life lessons are learnt on the school turf. It is a documented fact that resilient children can withstand the pressures of school and social life better than children who are not resilient.

Resilience is the process of ‘bouncing back’ once a person falls down during testing times and helps the individual get through the rough patch with success. Parents play the most important role in raising resilient children.

What to look for in resilient teens

Resilient teens have the ability to bounce back, show great courage, are inspired to move ahead with their plans, are aware of their being, share laughter, are helpful towards others, dedicated towards their dreams and goals, show capability to connect with others, and are emotionally sensible.

You should know how to teach resilience to kids. If you don’t know, continue reading.

Lending an ear to matters of the heart

Lending an ear to someone is the most important part of communication and building trust. You should give your children undivided attention when listening to their narrations about everyday struggles.

Defining resilience

Clearly define resilience for teens as an ability to push forward during the most testing times. In addition, teach them the meaning of words like leadership, courage, strength and honor which are important life lessons. Answer their queries if they ask anything in connection with the topic.

Sharing experiences

Your kids should know the value of coming together in a group and discussing their shared experiences with each other. This will help them learn from the bad experiences of others and find inspiration to prepare for hard times.

Turn offs

Teens should be advised to switch off any source of information that paints the world in a grim picture that otherwise act as a turn off. This is especially true for news channels and other forms of media where most aired content is laden with sensationalism. Such content can have a negative impact on any developing mind.

Let the risk factor prevail

Parents who have been through a rough childhood will naturally want to protect their children from real or imaginary catastrophes lurking in the shadows. It is sensible to let kids take small risks mainly because they learn their limits sooner when given appropriate freedom according to their age.

When the going gets tough…

Teach your kids to take decisive actions when the going gets tough. Let them accomplish one small goal at a time when they are facing a rough time. In time, their confidence and resilience will help them bounce back on their feet again.

Mistakes are good teachers

Failure usually opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Teach this to the teens, let them make mistakes, and encourage them to assess and work on their shortcomings.

Words are all you have

When asking your kid something, make sure that you refrain from using “why” in your sentences. Using “how” is a more favorable option. If your kid fails to do his/her homework, instead of asking them why they failed to do so, you can ask them how they plan to finish the work and safe their skin in school.

Emotional management

Tell your kids that feeling anger, joy, and other basic emotions, are all parts of life and one should not suppress these feelings. Children are known to pick ideas quickly when their learning experience is forged with powerful emotions.