Resilience - Can resilience be taught?

Although resilience is a character trait, somebody can learn to develop it further. Character traits are both innate and evolved.

I share a character trait with you every week, hoping you will help your child discover these traits within themselves.

Therefore, you do this by pointing out the traits you see and how you see them.

In case you don’t already know, I’ve created a small document titled’ 24 Words Every Child Should Hear Often’ and included some examples in it—click here if you’d like a copy.

Learning By acknowledging these weekly traits in your child, you help build confidence in your child as they recognise them within themselves.

The more positive character traits they see, the more confident, self-assured, self-aware and resilient they become.

Consequently, your child learns, with certainty, who they are and what they strive to be – kind, compassionate, responsible, reliable, and so much more.

Within

Recently, we discussed fortitude. Fortitude is strength of character; resilience is using that strength to overcome challenging times.

Unfortunately, everyone has difficult times at some point in their lives, whether short or long-lived.

For example, a child might feel sad because someone called them a hurtful name, or a parent might be going through either a relationship or financial challenge.

Tough times can be character-building.

Recognising and acknowledging that you can overcome hard times gives you the confidence to get through the next demanding time in your life.

Mindset You know that it’ll all work out in the end. The reason is having a more positive mindset.

Having faith and hope while you take the necessary actions to overcome your situation.

You have a choice of what to think and believe, regardless of your influences.

Your mindset determines your choices and excuses, both positive and negative.

I recall reading a story years ago about two brothers; one was very successful in his home and career life, and the other was an alcoholic.

One day, someone asked both brothers how they reached their current positions and what influenced them growing up.

They both answered the same: “My father was an alcoholic.” One brother determined he wouldn’t be like his father, the other accepted he would be.

Keep building your child’s confidence and self-awareness by reminding them of the positive traits you see within them.

This contributes to their resilience.

The story your child hears from you has got to be clearer and more powerful than the drug dealer down the road.