As parents, we devote countless amounts of time to helping our children cultivate skills that will aid them in building their future. We aspire to nurture them into well-rounded individuals who are confident, motivated, and content. However, the ups and downs of life tend to overwhelm children with worries and fast-paced changes. It becomes imperative for parents to prioritize the development of emotional strength in their children so that they can navigate the challenges of modern-day life. Let us delve into the significance of resilience in children.
Dr Gorav Gupta, Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Emoneeds says, “Balancing academics with extracurricular activities emerges as the linchpin to preventing burnout. Recognizing the necessity for breaks and fostering hobbies becomes vital for a child's unwinding and rejuvenation.”
Importance of Resilience in Children
“Resilience refers to the ability of a child to cope with day-to-day issues and deal with crises effectively. Building this skill in children not only cultivates their inner strength but also helps them navigate similar challenges later in life”, adds Dr. Lalitha Palle, Founder- ForMen Health.
4 Ways To Build Emotional Strength In Kids
So, how can parents raise resilient children and build their emotional strength? Let's explore some strategies:
Incorporating Mindfulness
Children's minds are active and filled with multiple thoughts about their experiences, making them anxious and unable to focus on the present. Mindfulness can teach them to pay attention to the current moment. Parents can encourage active listening by setting clear boundaries and teaching them logic and reasoning. By practicing mindfulness, children can notice their thoughts and shift to a more neutral perspective, fostering self-control.
Dr Gorav comments, “Encouraging children to articulate their feelings and concerns about school becomes a cornerstone for emotional resilience.”
Nurturing Emotional Intelligence
High emotions in children can lead to behaviors they normally wouldn't exhibit. Parents can cultivate an environment where emotions are valued and freely expressed. By helping children regulate and recognize their emotions, parents empower them to empathize with others. With practice, children can improve their ability to exercise emotional self-regulation.
Freedom to Make Mistakes
Although it may be difficult, allowing children to make errors while teaching them about the results is crucial for their development. Mistakes are a necessary part of learning and growth, teaching children responsibility, dedication, and how to deal with consequences.
Allowing Discomfort
Parents should let their children experience discomfort to provide opportunities for skill development. This doesn't mean putting kids in difficult situations to make them tougher but occasionally allowing them to experience boredom, disappointment, and frustration, helping them develop resilience.
Parents can focus on building their emotional strength by incorporating mindfulness, nurturing emotional intelligence, providing the freedom to make mistakes, and allowing them to experience discomfort. These strategies will help children become emotionally strong and handle adverse situations with maturity.