Building Resilience

Building Resilience

 

Resilience is not something children are born with. It develops gradually through everyday experiences, supportive relationships and opportunities to practise coping with challenges. During the preschool years, children are learning how to manage disappointment, adapt to change, navigate friendships and recover from setbacks, all of which help lay the foundation for resilience.

Building resilience in early childhood is not about avoiding difficulties or expecting children to cope on their own. It is about helping them feel safe, supported and capable as they learn new skills. Every child responds differently to challenges depending on their temperament, experiences and developmental stage. Some children bounce back quickly, while others need more time, encouragement and guidance to build confidence in themselves and the world around them.


Strategies families can use to help build resilience:

1

Encourage children to try things independently

Allow your child opportunities to attempt age-appropriate tasks on their own, even if they make mistakes along the way.

2

Normalise mistakes and setbacks

Help children understand that mistakes are part of learning and that everyone experiences challenges sometimes.

3

Support problem-solving skills


Rather than solving every difficulty for them, guide your child to think about possible solutions and choices.

4

Build emotional literacy


Help children recognise, name and express their feelings so they can better understand and manage emotions.

 

5

Create opportunities for manageable challenges


New experiences, trying unfamiliar activities and taking small risks help children build confidence and adaptability.

6

Model calm coping strategies


Children learn resilience by watching trusted adults manage stress, frustration and setbacks.

7

Praise effort over outcomes

Focus on persistence, trying hard and problem-solving rather than only celebrating success.

8

Encourage secure relationships

Strong, supportive relationships with trusted adults provide children with confidence to explore and take risks.

9

Maintain predictable routines

Consistent routines help children feel safe and provide stability during times of change or uncertainty.

10

Teach that uncomfortable feelings are okay

Help children understand that feeling disappointed, worried or frustrated is normal and that these feelings pass.

11

Encourage social connections

Friendships and positive interactions with others help children develop confidence, empathy and coping skills.

12

Remember that resilience develops over time

Building resilience is an ongoing process. Children need repeated opportunities, encouragement and support as they learn to navigate challenges in their own way.