Resilience

Nurture resilience in children

Dos

• Encourage independence:

  Allow your children to take risks and make mistakes under safe circumstances so that they can trust themselves to solve problem and make appropriate decisions.

• Nurture a positive self-view:

  Praise your children and shift their focus on their strengths to boost their sense of competence.

• Encourage perseverance:

  Let your children see their difficulties as temporary and they can be overcome. Don’t give up, there is always a chance.

• Make yourself a good example:

  Teach your children skills such as stress management and handling of conflicts by being their role model.

• Create a loving and secure home environment:

  Listen to your children and be empathetic to their feelings. Build a strong family network to support your children through their hard times.

Don’ts

• Overprotect:

  Avoid stepping in too early to fix problem for children. This may hinder their learning through experience.

• Be judgmental:：

  Messages like “Mistakes are unforgivable” & “I am worthless because I have made a mistake” may discourage your children from taking steps to overcome problems.

• Undermine their confidence:：

  Criticism or disapproval may induce sense of hopelessness.

Student Health Service, Department of Health
https://www.studenthealth.gov.hk/english/hps/hps_parents/files/hps_parents_resilience.pdf