Last month we introduced the hot topic of Resiliency. We continue this month with a few more strategies!
It’s hard to tell if someone “has” resiliency—there isn’t really a measurement tool, and people can be extremely resilient in some areas of their lives and very vulnerable in others. Some people have said it’s easier to spot a LACK of resiliency than it is to see resiliency in action—sometimes it’s easy to see when people are having a hard time coping with stress in their lives, but even this isn’t always true (some people look like they’re doing just fine to other people, but are struggling internally). Resiliency looks different in and to everyone.
Here are a few more things you can do if you are looking to help your child become more resilient:
3) Promote healthy relationships with other adults. Kids need a variety of safe “Important People” and Role Models to turn to. Support your child in having positive relationships with other family members, teachers, coaches, youth workers, etc. Promote healthy peer friendships in the same way. There are going to be times when your child just might not be able to come to you with their problems. Make sure they have someone else safe to turn to!
4) Have high, but achievable expectations for your child. Everyone needs something to look forward and live up to, but we also have to set our families up for success—be reasonable about what you expect your child to achieve. Empower a sense of self-esteem and the belief that your child has control over the things that happen to them, so they don’t feel helpless or lost when things don’t go according to plan.
5) Get involved. Engage in your child’s school and extracurricular activities. Go out together in the community and be part of something bigger than your home environment. Surround your child, AND YOURSELF with a wide support network, because it is so important for you to be healthy too!
If you are passionate about children and their future, and would like more information about the Calgary NW ECD Coalitions, or if you have any questions, please email us at: [email protected].
