RESILIENCE

Being resilient is associated with better academic performance and school behaviour and, over the longer term, fewer mental health issues and greater life opportunities, including employment and relationships. Individual resilience, as well as family and community resilience, is something that can be fostered and developed over time. 

A child or young person who is resilient might: 

• be optimistic
• use positive self-talk for encouragement
• have a positive sense of self
• identify and express their feelings and thoughts
• not hide away from strong feelings
• have helpful, age-appropriate strategies to manage their emotions
• rearrange their plans to work around an unexpected situation
• have a sense of responsibility
• keep on trying if something doesn’t work out
• actively ask for help if they need it
• feel a sense of attachment to family, their learning community and to learning

Children and young people need resilience 

Children and young people need resilience to manage ups and downs, both during and after difficult or challenging situations. Ups and downs can range from everyday challenges like conflict with friends or falling off a bike. They can be emotional experiences such as loss, rejection, disappointment or humiliation.  Some children and young people face serious challenges like disability, learning difficulties, family separation, family illness or death, or bullying.  

Read more about Building Resilience in Children at https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/healthy-homes/building-resilience