Resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks—isn't something you either have or don't have. It's a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time.
What is Resilience?
Resilience doesn't mean avoiding difficulties or never feeling overwhelmed. It means developing the inner resources to navigate challenges, learn from them, and emerge stronger.
How to Foster Resilience
Encourage Problem-Solving
When young people face challenges, resist the urge to immediately solve the problem for them. Instead, guide them through the process of finding solutions themselves.
Normalize Failure
Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities rather than disasters. Share your own experiences of failure and what you learned from them.
Build Strong Relationships
Having supportive relationships is one of the most important factors in resilience. Help young people develop healthy friendships and maintain family connections.
Teach Emotional Awareness
Help them identify and name their emotions. Understanding what they're feeling is the first step to managing it effectively.
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes
Praise the process—the hard work, persistence, and courage—not just the end result. This builds a growth mindset.
Building resilience takes time and practice. Be patient with the process, and remember that every challenge overcome is an opportunity for growth.