It's hard being a kid. I don't mean that in the literal sense. I mean it in the sense that it's really easy to fall off the edge of this world and end up in a place of fear.
As kids, we're prone to getting hurt by accidents and sicknesses. We're also prone to breaking things and making bad choices. This isn't anything new. But kids today face more of these risks than ever before.
Here are some tips for building resilience in your kids:
- Accept that accidents happen
No matter how well-protected your children are, they will be exposed to dangers and experiences that aren't ideal. That's life.
- Tell kids what to expect
Acknowledge your child's fears and worries. Then talk about what will happen when these things happen. Acknowledge the feelings of dread that come with the idea of getting hurt.
- Tell your kids stories
Children are naturally curious. They'll want to know about your experiences and what's going on in the world.
- Let your children know that you love them
Kids are smart and intuitive. They'll pick up on the way you react to their fears and mistakes. So if you show a calm, loving response, they'll learn to respond in kind.
- Teach your children to say “no”
Giving your children opportunities to experience negative emotions, like anger or disappointment, will give them the opportunity to learn to control their reactions and emotions.
- Don't overprotect kids
A common fear of parents is that their children are too fragile or delicate to handle certain situations. This is often a reflection of a parent's own childhood fears.
Children need to feel safe and secure so they can grow and develop. Don't worry about your child being exposed to situations that will hurt them or make them fearful. Instead, let them see the world through your eyes. They'll gain from seeing you grow and develop.
- Emphasize self-reliance
Children are going to face challenges in life. Help your children understand that you can't always solve their problems. If something happens, you can't fix it, but they can.
- Teach your kids to love
Kids who are loved and accepted grow to be confident, resilient, and emotionally healthy.
- Teach your kids to care
The biggest challenge in life is knowing what to do when no one is watching. We all have moments when we feel like the most important thing in the world is to get ourselves out of a dangerous situation.
- Model positive relationships
If your child doesn't see you demonstrating a positive attitude and a strong relationship with their friends and family, they won't follow suit.