In past decades, psychologists believed that psychological resilience in children to various forms of stress was somehow inborn. But more recent evidence shows that psychological and emotional resilience can be taught, enabling even the most vulnerable children to learn how to deal with life’s stresses. Research indicates that good early relationships with caregivers can help make children more stress-resistant, and the earlier that resilience-building is started the better. Building up children’s tolerance for dealing with life’s ups and downs and changes in mood helps them develop a stronger sense of identity and self-esteem.
Parents can help their children build resilience and develop healthy self-esteem by giving them a sense of being valued and respected. Children need to be listened to and encouraged to express difficulties they might be having. Children also need to have parents that are able to spend quality time with them to help their child maintain a sense of self-esteem even in the face of stressful experiences.
Talking to children about stress is very important and it is also important to help children to understand that all people have strengths and weaknesses. Some psychologists suggest bedtime is a good opportunity to bring up positive events in a child’s day. Focusing on positive events during the child’s day is correlated with an increase in happiness.
Recent research conducted in Australia through the federal Department of Housing, Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs showed that highly stressed working mothers are risking their own health and also the emotional development of their children. The study suggested that children of highly stressed working mothers have poorer emotional and social outcomes.
This is also affected by parenting style, which can deteriorate when parents are themselves under stress. Stability within family units is vital and the mental health of parents also has an impact on children’s ability to cope, as does the quality of the parents’ relationship. If parents are supportive of each other, share similar values and expectations about their children, and communicate well with each other, these are protective factors for the children.
What makes kids more resilient?
The ability to name and manage their own emotions, and develop empathy for others
_Healthy self-esteem
_The opportunity to feel valued, respected and listened to
_The ability to organise themselves and set goals
_A feeling of belonging at school
_A relationship with a caring adult who is not a parent or sibling
_Positive community involvement: e.g. sport, art, drama, youth groups
_Positive attitude
Sources:
http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2008/01/29/2148045.htm
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/stress-affects-mums-kids/story-e6frf7l6-1225806345495
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
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