Resilience in Early Childhood: Building a Foundation for Life
- Marianela de Sousa
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Join our family to give your child the best foundation for the best future — schedule a guided visit to ABCnMe.
In recent years, resilience has become a buzzword, especially in parenting and child development discussions. But what does it really mean? Resilience is the ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and emerge stronger. Resilience in early childhood means tackling small obstacles, managing difficult emotions, and moving forward with confidence, even when things don’t go as expected. Developing this skill early in life is essential as it lays the groundwork for emotional well-being and prepares children for life’s challenges.
Practical Strategies to Foster Resilience in Early Childhood
Here are five practical strategies to help you foster resilience in your children at home:
Create a Safe and Loving Environment
Emotional security is the foundation of resilience. Children need to feel they have a refuge where they are always loved, even when they make mistakes or face difficulties. Psychiatrist Daniel Siegel, author of The Whole-Brain Child, emphasizes that a secure connection is crucial for children to learn how to manage stress and regulate emotions. Responding to their needs with calmness and tenderness gives them the confidence to explore and learn.
Help Them Understand and Express Their Emotions
Young children often struggle with intense emotions. Teaching them to recognize and express what they feel is a lifelong gift. Jane Nelsen, creator of Positive Discipline, suggests validating their feelings with phrases like, “I understand you’re upset because we can’t go to the park right now. Waiting is hard, but you’re doing a great job.”
Let Them Face Small Challenges
Resilience grows when children are allowed to solve problems on their own with supportive guidance. Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, highlights that valuing effort over results helps children see mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than something to fear.
Establish Predictable Routines
Predictable routines provide children with a sense of security. Knowing what to expect during the day, such as bath time or story time, helps them feel in control of their environment. When unexpected changes arise, these routines can serve as a foundation to help them cope.
Be a Role Model for Resilience
Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. Jane Nelsen emphasizes in Positive Discipline that parents who approach challenges with calmness and creativity encourage their children to develop these same skills. For instance, if something doesn’t go as planned, you might say, “This didn’t work, but let’s figure out another solution together.”
Why Is Resilience Important in Childhood?
Fostering resilience brings both immediate and long-term benefits:
In the present, it helps children handle everyday frustrations, like waiting their turn or adjusting to changes in routine.
In the future, it equips them with the tools to face more complex challenges with confidence, empathy, and determination.
Resilience is not a destination; it’s a process. Every time we guide our children with love and patience, we help them build a skill that will empower them throughout their lives.
Join our family to give your child the best foundation for the best future — schedule a guided visit to ABCnMe.
References:
Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
Nelsen, J. (2006). Positive Discipline. Ballantine Books.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind.
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