Anxiety

Life is full of ups and downs, joy and grief, and happiness and fear. As parents, we want to shield our children from the tough parts of life, but to set them up for success – to thrive through both the good and the bad that life brings – our goal should be to teach them to be resilient.
 

What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to withstand challenges and bounce back with a hopeful attitude. Resilient people are able to deal with challenges that may come their way and overcome them, learning lessons that will help them in the future. Many fears, like a fear of the dark or a fear of being alone, may subside as a child grows, there will always be anxieties around them. In today’s always-on environment, children are constantly exposed to stressors: crowded schedules, peer pressure, worries about family members, or hearing about conflict on the nightly news. Fears, worries and insecurities are a part of life, and while we can’t always control them, we can control how to respond to them. To raise children who can withstand these stressors and thrive despite them, we can help by teaching them to recognize their inner strength and build resilience.
 

How can we help children build resilience?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promotes seven “C”s of resilience, as identified by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, author of A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Your Child Roots and Wings. The seven “C”s include:

1. Competence – Knowing how to handle a situation.
2. Confidence – Believing in your own abilities.
3. Connection – Creating close interpersonal relationships with people who care about you.
4. Character – Developing a guiding set of morals and beliefs.
5. Contribution – Believing in the value you bring to the world.
6. Coping – Managing stress and deal with challenges in a healthy way.
7. Control – Understanding what is within your control and what is outside of your control.

Parents can help their children build the seven “C”s of resilience by modeling these behaviors, empowering them to make decisions, encouraging them to recognize their own strengths and value and providing a space for open, honest communication. By letting your child know that you love them and value them unconditionally, you will help build your child’s ability to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
 

Learn more about raising resilient children

• From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
  • Helping Children Handle Stress
  • Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties