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Recent research in the United States has highlighted the critical role of resilience in promoting mental health among children and adolescents. A systematic review encompassing 25 studies found that higher levels of resilience are consistently associated with fewer mental health problems in young individuals. These studies emphasize the importance of multisystem factors—including social, cultural, family, and individual aspects—in fostering resilience.
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University underscores that building resilience in young children is essential to mitigate the effects of significant adversity or toxic stress on early development. Understanding why some children develop resilience while others do not is a key area of ongoing research.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Children and Youth Resilience Challenge in May 2023. This initiative aims to fund innovative, community-led solutions to promote resilience in children and adolescents affected by the pandemic and other disasters.
Additionally, a literature review published in 2021 examined family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying factors such as adaptability, family cohesion, good communication, and adequate financial management as significant contributors to resilience. The review highlights the importance of social support, positive parenting, and effective coping strategies in fostering resilience during challenging times.
These findings collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of resilience and the importance of supportive environments in promoting the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents in the United States.
Teaching children resilience in the face of life's challenges is an essential part of their emotional and psychological well-being. Professional counselors often employ a variety of strategies to help children cope and develop resilience. Here are some strategies that can be used:
1. Normalize Emotions and Experiences
Identify and Validate Feelings: Help children to identify what they are feeling. Surprisingly this is a skill which must be taught. Additionally, encourage children to express their emotions, whether it be sadness, anger, confusion, or fear. Let them know that it is okay to feel a wide range of emotions.
Normalize Responses: Normalize the process of experiencing difficult emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to talk about their feelings.
2. Model Resilience and Emotional Regulation
Lead by Example: Children are more likely to exhibit resilience if they see their caregivers demonstrating emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies. Show them that it’s possible to manage emotions and handle challenges with a positive outlook.
Teach Coping Strategies: Introduce healthy coping techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or creative outlets like drawing or music. Encourage the child to use these methods when they feel overwhelmed.
3. Promote Open Communication
Encourage Dialogue: Create a safe, open environment where the child feels comfortable talking about their concerns. Let them ask questions and express their feelings without fear of judgment.
Use Age-Appropriate Language: Tailor your conversations to the child's developmental level. For younger children, simple explanations can be helpful, while older children might benefit from more detailed conversations.
4. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stability and Predictability: Children thrive on routine. While some unpredictability is part of daily life, things such as the death of a family member or pet, divorce, moving, etc. can lead to anxiety. When these things inevitably occur, keep their daily schedules as consistent as possible, including school, extracurricular activities, and family time.
Create New Rituals: Establish new routines that offer a sense of comfort. This could be as simple as having a regular family movie night or setting aside time to talk before bed.
5. Strengthen the Child’s Social Support System
Encourage Connections with Supportive Adults: Encourage children to stay connected with family members, friends, and trusted adults who can offer emotional support.
Foster Peer Relationships: Encourage the child to spend time with friends to maintain social connections. Peer relationships can serve as a protective factor against stress.
6. Teach Problem-Solving and Positive Thinking
Empower Children: Help the child learn to solve problems by giving them small, manageable tasks to accomplish. Teach them that challenges can be overcome, and that mistakes are a part of growth.
Introduce Positive Reframing: Teach children to reframe negative thoughts and situations. For example, help them shift from “This is the worst thing ever” to “This is difficult, but I can get through it.”
7. Promote Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Praise Efforts and Strengths: Praise the child for their efforts, resilience, and positive behavior rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Help them see their inner strength and ability to navigate difficult situations.
Encourage Independence: Allow the child to take on responsibilities appropriate for their age. This helps build self-confidence and a sense of control over their environment.
8. Therapeutic Support
Individual Counseling: Some children may benefit from individual counseling or therapy to process their feelings in a safe, supportive environment. A therapist can help the child develop coping skills and resilience strategies tailored to their unique needs.
Parenting/Family Therapy: Support for parents specifically or family counseling can help improve communication between parents and children, support co-parenting efforts, and address any family dynamics that might be contributing to the child’s distress.
At Chesterfield Counseling we have the skills to help you learn and use a variety of strategies. Our counselors can help children build resilience and navigate the challenges that come with life in healthier, more adaptive ways. It is important to tailor interventions to the child's developmental stage, temperament, and specific needs.
For more information, please email at info@chesterfieldca.com or call us at 636-675-7566.
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