Many of us have wondered how to build emotional resilience in a child. It is the ability to manage and deal with change. Resilience is something we all have, but it takes a lot of work to develop it. Some people call this “coping skills.” It can be a difficult trait to have, but if you are willing to work at it, you can develop it in your child.
The ability to deal with change is very important. If a child is not able to deal with change, then they are more susceptible to negative influences. These influences can include being bullied in school or on the playground.
Children who have experienced abuse have a greater risk of developing emotional resilience. They may lack self-confidence and low self esteem. They may also lack coping skills. These children should be taught to be self confident and how to develop coping skills. There are numerous books, DVDs, and online courses available to teach these skills to children.
Children who are diagnosed with a disability often develop resilience. If a child has to adjust to a new environment, then they are more likely to be resilient than children who do not have to deal with such a change. Children who are used to violence may also be prone to developing resilience. They may lack the ability to handle conflict so they are more likely to lash out.
Children with Autism need to learn how to better cope with stressors. This can be done through family therapy and group therapy. Parents of children with disabilities can also learn how to build emotional resilience in a child. There are many support groups for parents of children with developmental disabilities that can help to cope better with their child’s behavior problems.
The skill to learn how to build resilience in a child begins in the home. It is important for children with developmental disabilities to learn how to manage anger and frustration. Parents can get help from professionals to help them teach their child coping skills. Activities that will help a child learn how to manage anger can include taking turns when playing games, allowing a child to make decisions and take responsibilities for certain aspects of his life. An example would be allowing a child to make decisions about what foods to eat or whether to go to the bathroom.
When dealing with stressors, children with developmental disabilities should work to control their emotions. These children will usually lash out when they are frustrated or angry. If a child cannot control his emotions then he is much more likely to act out. By learning how to effectively manage anger, the child can learn how to deal with stress that comes on him and how to better understand what triggers his negative emotions.
Learning how to build emotional resilience in a child also means setting limits for a child. Setting limits helps a child to know what is acceptable behavior and what is not acceptable behavior. A child with autism might act out when he is spanked or left alone. A child that witnesses domestic violence may be scarred for life by acting out or by hitting out in anger when there are no consequences. Setting limits and rules for a child to help him understand what behaviors are appropriate and what are not.
It is also important that the child learn to share. This does not have to be related to sharing bodily functions but can include sharing feelings or thoughts. Children with autism might not be able to communicate effectively with others because of their limited social skills. It is important to take the time to learn how to communicate effectively with others and to practice this skill with your child on a regular basis. As the child gets older it will become easier and will be even more important.
Finally, it is important to give a child ample opportunities to learn new things. This does not mean that you have to coach the child every minute. It means that you do everything in your power to teach a new skill or activity to your child. Make it as accessible as possible so that your child will want to learn it. If you can find simple games to play together that revolve around your child’s interests you are on the right track. If you are still having trouble finding games for your child, try looking for games on the Internet.
Overall, we can look at these skills on how to build emotional resilience in a child as a way to ensure that they will grow up healthy and well adjusted. It is possible to help your child learn how to cope with emotional challenges but it takes effort. This is why it is important to work with your child to try and find areas that they can build on. Don’t forget that resilience is something that can be worked on and not something that is set in stone. Be flexible and willing to change and your efforts in how to build emotional resilience in a child should be rewarded.