Raising Resilient Kids
As a parent, there are so many things I want for my three children. I want them to be kind, giving humans, but I also want them to be willing to try new things and grow when they face challenges. There are all kinds of studies searching for the secret sauce of how to raise kids that are capable in the world. One important finding? Resilience is a predictor of future success for children. Resilience is a mix of grit and perseverance. How do we raise kids who are resilient? I think our children’s ability to face challenges and adversity is grown in part through teaching kindness, building empathy and building connections. These important milestones form the bedrock of Doing Good Together. Below, find some ideas to help continue to raise resilient kids.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
Here are some ideas for raising resilient kids this September.
Practice Empathy. Check out this blog on building empathy with your children.
Talk about Emotions. Spend time with younger children engaging in understanding emotions. By helping children engage in games involving emotions, they can better articulate what they are feeling and they can understand others’ emotions better, too.
Craft Your Way to Acts of Kindness. Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, or crafting can be therapeutic for both parents and children.
Set aside some time each week for family art sessions where everyone can express themselves creatively. Have your crafting session benefit those around you. Check out our projects page for crafty ways to spread kindness and reduce stress at the same time!
Read with Empathy. Reading is a powerful tool to teach kids empathy and to build family connections through talking and listening.
Check out these great books lists for stories that will appeal to parents and kids alike.
Volunteer Together. Teaching kids that giving back is a part of who they are is important in raising giving kids. Here are some volunteer activities to try with your family for an extra blast of kindness this September.
CONVERSATIONS
What was something difficult you handled today?
What was something you learned from?
Talk about a mistake you made that taught you something about yourself.
Who can you ask for help when you need it?
Check out our book list on empathy!·
INSPIRATION
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”
— Henry David Thoreau