Growing up in today’s world is difficult. Academic pressure and expectations, media messaging, peer and family pressures, and larger cultural influences have all contributed to increased levels of childhood stress and anxiety. According to the Child Mind Institute’s 2018 Children’s Mental Health Report, levels of anxiety are on the rise, affecting 30% of children and adolescents at some point.
Under stress, the brain responds by sending messages to the body to increase blood pressure and heart rate, release a flood of stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol, and prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response, all resulting in a decreased ability to focus, problem-solve, control impulses, and manage emotions. For many, the physiological and neurochemical changes remain activated over time as stress levels continue unabated.
But here's the good news! Brain research over the past decade shows that through practice and experience, we are capable of changing the wiring of the brain and the body’s responses. Building resilience helps children and teens (and adults, too!) to better manage stress effectively, reduce anxiety, build confidence, and more successfully navigate challenges.
In her article Building Resilience in Children – 20 Practical, Powerful Strategies (Backed by Science), author Karen Young defines resilience as, "being able to bounce back from stress, challenge, tragedy, trauma or adversity. When children are resilient, they are braver, more curious, more adaptable, and better able to extend their reach into the world.”
As resilience grows, the brain’s ability to override the physiological responses to stress increases, allowing us to regain control, adapt to the situation, and seek problem-solving strategies. Resilience allows us to see problems and setbacks as temporary, empowers us to problem-solve and reset, and gives us the tools and strategies to manage life’s ups and downs.
Resilience grows when children develop strategies to navigate and respond to stressful situations. Here are some ways that you can help your child to develop and strengthen their resilience:
If you’re interested, you can take the Resiliency Quiz here to assess the resilience conditions in your life and find ways to build greater resiliency within yourself or support resilience growth with the people that you love.
The Road to Resilience
American Psychological Association
Building Resilience in Children
American Academy of Pediatrics
Building Resilience in Children: 30+ Tips for Raising Resilient Kids
Positive Psychology Program
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