How to Build Resilience in Young Children

Think back to when you were a child. Did you ever feel like giving up after making a mistake, or believe you “just weren’t good at something?’

For many of us, those moments stand out because they felt so big at the time, perhaps they still do. They likely shaped who you are today. Now, as parents, we see our own children face similar struggles- curbing after a setback, worrying about friendships, or saying “I can’t do it”.

This is where emotional resilience comes in. It's the ability to bounce back, adapt, pick ourselves up and try again, even when things feel hard.

The good news? Resilience can be learned—and parents play a powerful role in helping children develop it.

In today’s fast-paced world, emotional resilience is a vital skill for young children to develop. Resilient children are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, manage their emotions, and grow stronger in the face of adversity. Building emotional resilience in early childhood can lay the foundation for lifelong mental well-being, enabling children to face challenges with confidence and positivity.

What is Emotional Resilience?

Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations and overcome obstacles with strength and perseverance. For children, this means learning to manage their feelings, bounce back from disappointments, and find healthy ways to cope with emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration. Research shows that resilient children tend to be more successful in school, social interactions, and overall well-being.

In childhood, resilience isn’t about big crises —it's about the everyday challenges: falling out with a friend, struggling with homework, losing a game, or feeling left out. These small moments are the practice ground where resiliance grows.

Parents play the biggest role in shaping resilience. How we respond to setbacks- whether with calmness, encouragement, or problem-solving- teaches children how to approach challenges themselves.

Practical Tips for Building Resilience

Here are some practical ways to encourage emotional resilience in young children:

1. Encourage Problem-Solving
   Teach children that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning. Instead of fixing problems for them, guide them to find their own solutions, helping them build confidence in their ability to solve problems.

   “What ideas do you have to solve this?”

2. Model Resilience
   Children learn by watching adults. Show them how you handle stress and setbacks, using calmness and positive thinking. Sharing your own challenges and how you cope with them can provide children with valuable examples of resilience.

3. Promote a Growth Mindset
   Help children understand that skills and abilities can be developed with effort. Praise their hard work, perseverance, and progress rather than only their successes, reinforcing that growth and learning are ongoing.

   “You don't understand it yet, but you’ll get there with practice”

4. Encourage Positive Self-Talk
   Teaching children to replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones can build their confidence. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” encourage them to say.

   “I’ll keep trying, and I’ll get better.”

5. Use Brave Beginnings Resources to Strengthen Resilience
   Our Emotional Regulation Workbook is designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, offering practical activities that guide them through coping strategies. The Wellbeing Journal encourages children to reflect on their feelings, track positive experiences, and celebrate personal growth—all essential for building resilience.

Conclusion

Resilience doesn't mean your child won’t struggle. It means that they’ll learn how to recover, try again, and believe they can cope. With small, consistent support, you're giving your child skills that will last a lifetime.

Every small moment of encouragement today is planting resilience for tomorrow.